I knew of Ben Wilcox from his mother, Isabel Wilcox who was my 5th grade teacher in 1965-66 in California. If any of his family is still receiving notifications from this obituary, please contact me at sluderfam@gmail.com. Steve Sluder Wellsville, UT.

I met Ben only a few times, but Instantly  liked and respected him. My respect and admiration for him flowed from Jackie's stories and her openly expressed love for him.   I was away from Washington, D.C. last spring and was unaware of his passing at the time.  God bless Ben and his family.  Jackie, I know how you will miss him and how much you loved him.  He was a funny,  kind, caring, loving - and brilliant - man.  Remember, Jackie, when the SBA bill passed?  Still, Ben retained his great sense of humor.   Pamela Aycock

We have known Ben since the moment we stepped off the plane in Columbus, when he introduced himself to our children as 'your uncle Ben.' He was the epitome of a caring boss, ever mindful of the welfare of his group as well as being a first rate scientist. Extra hours spent trying to properly understand our research results were an integral and enjoyable part of working with him. He set an outstanding example to us all. We will miss him greatly.

Jackie, our hearts go out to you and your family.  God's blessings and graces to all of you.

I had the good fortune to know Ben for more than four decades during periods when he was program manager at NSF and DARPA and served as Navy scientific liaison at the ONR-Global office in London.  Throughout his career, he was a great visionary on the future of scientific research in materials science and engineering.  We spent many hours reminiscing about our youth as students / professors at Washington State University and subsequently his experiences at Stanford University.  He was indeed a rare individual, known and admired by many.  He will be sorely missed.

I knew Ben when he was at NSF, worked with him while he was at DARPA and I was at NBS/NIST, and enjoyed every minute ot those interactions. I respected his judgement and his passion for our technical field. He will be remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.

We're thinking of you & sharing your sorrow. May you find comfort in your memories knowing he'll always be in your heart.

Ben, a dear. gentle man who, along with Jackie, we were lucky enough to have as neighbours in London for 4 years - a time we greatly appreciated their friendship and hospitality.  Our loving thoughts go out to Jackie and the family - we share your pain.
With love at this very sad time, Kerry, Keith and Peg xxx

It was an honor and pleasure to know Ben Wilcox.  
We worked together in the ONR office in London.  He was a steadying force among some of us more outspoken types.  
Following our return to the U.S., we always enjoyed seeing Ben and hearing of his and Jackie's adventures.
We will miss seeing him, but look forward to continuing our friendship with Jackie.
Alan Weinstein & Barbara Sirota

Such an accomplished guy! And a sweet, funny one, as well as a terrific neighbor. Ben will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched. Our thoughts are with Jackie and the rest of the family. -- Fondly, Barb and Andy

Ben and I go back some 50 years to his days at Wright Patterson in the early 60s when we were both Lieutenants. Our interactions and friendship continued at Battelle and DARPA so it hard to believe he is no longer with us.  A wonderful guy and a real credit to the development of numerous advanced materials technologies. To Jackie, his wonderful wife, please take solace in the fact that no one was more considerate and thoughtful than Ben. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Ben will long be remembered as the godfather of the Material Science discipline through his establishment of the Material Research Centers and the Multidisciplinary Research Programs.  At DARPA he was a mentor to dozens of program managers whose careers greatly benefited from his guidance.

We all lost a good friend, great scientist and true gentleman.  I was fortunate to have worked with Ben and his words of wisdom have never been forgotten and have served me well.  He will be sorely missed.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I have such fond memories of visiting The Wilcox family as a child. So very sorry for your loss.

A true gentleman, scholar, friend and mentor. I feel extremely fortunate to have known and worked for Ben and benefitted from his leadership and guidance.

I knew Ben only slightly, thru his wife Jackie who worked with me.  But at every staff gathering with spouses he was the hit and wit of the evening.  He brought joy and mirth all around.

Bob Packwood

All my love and wishes go to you, Jackie and your family. Ben was truly a sweet, kind and good man. I know you are truly feeling his loss.

I knew that Ben was kind and smart but never really never knew how all of his accomplishments and contributions.  He definitely left the planet a better place for many. Love to Laura, Jackie and all the family. Blessings to you from Kirtland, OH - Mike and Gladi

Ben was a longtime good friend and colleague.  He will be missed.

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.  He was a great man with a wonderful family...and he did Montana proud.  Maureen Driscoll

We are at a loss for words.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Jackie, and the family.  We feel so lucky to have crossed paths with such a wonderful man as Ben.                   
Christine & Frank Grant

Ben was a good man treasured colleague. He loved people and lent a helping hand to many along the way. He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Benjamin Wilcox

June 18, 1934 – March 11, 2015

National Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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