1918 – 2003

FARMINGTON – James E. “Bud” Wilcox Jr., 85, a lifelong resident of Rangeley, died Thursday evening, Aug. 28, at the Sandy River Center for Health Care and Rehabilitation following a short illness surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Feb. 9, 1918, in Rangeley, a son of James E. and Katherine (Russ) Wilcox Sr. A graduate of Rangeley High School, he was active in sports and was recognized as an All Tourney in Basketball and was also a star baseball player.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served in the coastal artillery in Portland and Newfoundland during World War II. He married the former Margaret MacFarlane and together they made their home in Rangeley where Mr. Wilcox was a self-employed contractor, a Game Warden and a Registered Maine Guide.

He also owned and operated his own fly-tying business called The Rangeley Flies. He was an internationally renowned fly-tyer, credited with creating several patterns, most notably the Kennebago Smelt and the Tri Color.

He also handmade split bamboo fly rods. His accomplishments have been published in three national magazines and those who enjoy the art of fly fishing will long remember his contributions to the sport.

He was a communicant of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Rangeley and was a member of the Kemankeag Masonic Lodge 213 as well as the Kora Temple Shrine. “Bud” was a man who enjoyed working and was a nature lover who enjoyed being in the great outdoors, either fishing and fly-casting, golfing, hunting, trapping or gardening.

His creative, artistic talents were also found in his woodcarvings. His legacy was his life’s motto, “Go out into the woods and look at nature.” And it is believed that his words to his family, cherished friends and Rangeley community are “I love you all.”

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret of Rangeley; one daughter, Judith Smith and her husband, Randall Smith of Hebron; one son, Jim Wilcox and his wife, Kathy Wilcox of Dover-Foxcroft; one brother, Norman Wilcox and his wife, Edna Wilcox of Saco; two sisters, Sylvia Green of Eastford, Conn., and Audrey Hodge of Rangeley; four grandchildren, Jennifer Mondore, Curtis Smith, Katrina Wilcox and James D. Wilcox; and six great-grandchildren, Joanna Linne Strong, Jordan Strong, Benjamin Mondore, Jacob Mondore, Brianna Lynn Smith and Brandon Smith.