Harry James Wilcox

On the early morning of August 4th, 2022, Harry James Wilcox finally found his PEACE. He had been suffering from multiple health challenges for some time. He passed away in Butte, Montana at his home with his partner, Rose Rawson at his side. Harry was born on March 28, 1945 in Great Falls, Montana to Margaret and Milton Wilcox. He was raised and educated in Great Falls, graduating from Great Falls High School. Following high school, Harry would pursue a wide array of interests. As a young man, fresh out of high school, he went to work for Newman’s Horse Stables, but soon thereafter, better jobs came along working for the missile installations. As that industry completed its cycle, he moved to Chicago where he worked in the steel mills. However, the big city life never felt like home so he returned to Montana and went to work for one of the major grain elevator companies in Great Falls. In 1970, Harry met and fell in love with Maureen Jones. They married on July 3, 1970. They were blessed with three children, two boys and a girl. The 70’s were challenging times for all who desired work. Harry and Maureen decided to move their little family to Green Bay, Wisconsin in hopes of better work opportunities. They eventually moved back to Great Falls. Harry joined the Army Reserves in 1967 and later the Navy Reserves in 1971 until 1973. He continued working as a truck driver. He eventually worked as a custodian for the Great Falls Public Schools for many years. Maureen and Harry would later divorce. Harry decided to apply to Providence University in Great Falls in hopes to improve his life for he and his family. He was accepted and it became a labor of love for him. He graduated with two degrees in hand. One in Human Resources and one in Sociology. It was indeed a proud day! Life was never dull for Harry. He was not of the nature of letting grass grow under his feet. He had a passion for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter as well as a fisherman. He would often regale all with his latest stories and adventure or misadventures! Usually, bringing everyone to tears with laughter. A hobby and avocation that brought him great satisfaction was his love of photography. He had a keen eye for the world around him and spent many hours seeking out just the right shot. He was always excited to show you his latest work. Most often, they were encounters out into nature. He entered his photos most years at the Montana State Fair and often won recognition. Anyone who knew Harry was probably aware that he was a bit of a daredevil. In the 70’s he took up racing stock cars as a serious hobby. He initially began racing in the Class D category at Great Falls Speedway and managed to win a race or two. They he and his brother, Art, bought a Class B car and raced it for about three years at the same speedway. Reportedly, it was told he managed to roll this vehicle on his honeymoon. He also got into drag racing during this era. He raced his brother’s 62 Corvette in Canada and won in his class. Last, but not lease, he raced his other brother, Roger’s, 51 Chevy coupe to keep it all in the family. Harry is survived by his three children, Casey Wilcox of Great Falls, Mike Wilcox (Amy) of Great Falls and Dawn Wilcox of Billings, his grandson, Keenan Zeiler of Billings, sister, Dorothy McCartney of Great Falls, sister, Alma Winberry of Great Falls, brother Roger/Notch Wilcox of Great Falls, brother, Ed/Bobby Davis (Angie) of Great Falls as well as nieces, nephews and numerous cousins. Cremation has taken place in Butte. Memorial services are planned for Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Knights of Columbus, 906 Central Avenue West, Great Falls, MT. This will be followed by a potluck luncheon.

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Harry James Wilcox

March 28, 1945 - August 4, 2022