Rev. Jack F. Wilcox Jr.

Rev. Jack F. Wilcox Jr., lovingly known as "Papa Jack," of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on December 27, 2025, in Norman. He was 73 years old.

Jack was born on March 10, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Jack F. Wilcox Sr. and Jane L. (Lawson) Wilcox. Born in Kansas City, Jack spent much of his early life moving and traveling before eventually making Norman his home in 2005, a place where he built deep roots and lasting friendships.

On January 6, 1990, Jack married the love of his life, Gail P. Wilcox, whom he met in San Angelo, Texas. Their marriage was a true partnership filled with faith, devotion, laughter, and unconditional love. Gail preceded him in death on September 6, 2025, and Jack missed her deeply.

Jack devoted his life to faith, service, and learning. He earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Metaphysics and began his ministry as a Baptist minister before converting to the Episcopalian faith in the early 1990s. He was a faithful member of St. John's Episcopal Church and the Disabled American Veterans organization. Jack also proudly served his country as a Major and Chaplain in the United States Air Force, from which he retired after years of dedicated service.

Music was one of Jack's great joys. He enjoyed many genres, but gospel and country music held a special place in his heart, especially the Statler Brothers. He loved playing his guitar, singing, sharing a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Jack had a gift for making people smile and teaching others how to find joy in the simple things. Through his life, he showed what it meant to love selflessly, live with genuine compassion, and offer grace freely to everyone he met.

Above all else, Jack loved God, his wife Gail, his children, and his grandchildren. He would want to be remembered as "Papa Jack," a man of joy and laughter, and he hoped that anyone who thought of him would do so with a smile.

He is survived by his children, Jack Wilcox III and his spouse Ashleigh of San Angelo, Texas; Jon Wilcox and his spouse Brooke of San Angelo, Texas; Angela Blackwood and her spouse Brian of Norman, Oklahoma; and Jay Wilcox and their spouse Logan Crider of Norman, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his siblings, Jeanne Wilcox Patton of Lees Summit, Missouri, and Jeff Wilcox and his spouse Jeanne of Branson, Missouri. Jack leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, Jonas, Noelle, Kaipo, Matilda, Grace, Sam, and Faith, as well as five nieces, four nephews, numerous other family members and friends, and his faithful dog, Stormy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail P. Wilcox, and his parents, Jack F. Wilcox Sr. and Jane L. Wilcox.

Services are pending at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jack's name to the Episcopal Relief Fund or to a veterans organization of the donor's choice.