James Jr. Willcox

James Haskell Willcox, Jr., 68, of Hopewell died Thursday, June 26, 2008 in Colonial Heights Convalescent Center. He was born in Darlington, SC and had been a long time, well known resident of Hopewell. Mr. Willcox earned a degree in chemical engineering from Clemson University, graduating with honors and was inducted in to numerous honor societies. He was a charter member of Kappa Sigma Nu, which later became part of the Kappa Sigma national fraternity. He was employed with Hercules, Inc for 33 years, holding the position of superintendent of a number of different departments. He was a member of Merchantâ??s Hope Episcopal Church where he served as historian and was in charge of historical tours. Mr. Willcox was listed in Outstanding Young Men in America in 1975 and also in the Heredity Register in 1975 and 1976. He held office and was active in numerous genealogical societies, among them, Society of Colonial Wars, Sons of the Revolution, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Military Order of Stars and Bars. His historical knowledge made him a valuable member of many historical organizations. Mr. Willcox was a member of Virginia Historical Society, Battle Abbey Council; helped to curate the 1987 Virginia Silver exhibit and he assisted in organizing the silver exhibit in The Story of Virginia. In his honor, the Virginia Historical Society named the silver exhibit hall for him. His extensive collection and knowledge of Virginia silver afforded him the opportunity to make many Gallery Talks on the subject. He was a member of the Historic Hopewell Foundation and served as a Trustee from 1973 until 1991, a member of Chesterfield Historical Society; Prince George County Historical Society, of which he was a charter member and at one time served as Vice President; Mr. Willcox held membership in the South Carolina Historical Society as well as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; he was an Edwin Hyde Associate, a Commonwealth Associate; and lent pieces from his silver collection for a number of exhibitions. Mr. Willcox exemplified his dedication to the community by his willingness to serve on the John Tyler Community College Board, Appomattox Regional Library Board, Eppington Foundation, Prince George County Tricentenial Committee and as a member and secretary of Merchants Hope Church Foundation. His membership in the Antiquarian Society of Richmond; Collectors Circle of the Virginia Museum; and Silver Society of London, all demonstrate his profound interest in antiques and preserving their place in history. Mr. Willcox was known to have written informative articles in several magazine publications such as Silver Magazine and Colonial Homes Magazine. He was the son of the late James H. Willcox, Sr. and Emma Flowers Willcox. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. in Grove Hill Cemetery, Darlington, SC, with Rev. Bob Armstrong officiating. A memorial service will be held at Merchants Hope Episcopal Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Prince George Historical Society, P. O. Box 452, Prince George, Virginia 23875 or Merchants Hope Church Foundation, Inc., 11500 Merchants Hope Road, Hopewell, Virginia 23860. Arrangements are being handled by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Condolences may be registered with www.jtmorriss.com