National Shrine of Saint Thérèse honors Jim Wilcox

Cecelia and Jim Wilcox on Oct. 5, 2026. (Joe Sehnert / National Shrine of Saint Thérèse)

(National Shrine of Saint Thérèse press release)

The Advisory Board of the National Shrine of Saint Thérèse in Juneau has officially conferred the prestigious St. Thérèse Award upon local resident and devoted volunteer Jim Wilcox. The honor recognizes Wilcox’s lifetime of outstanding dedication, hospitality, and monumental stewardship through the contribution of his time, talent, and treasure to this historic and holy ground.

The St. Thérèse Award is presented to individuals whose lives beautifully exemplify "The Little Way" of the Shrine's patroness, St. Thérèse of Lisieux — a philosophy centered on doing ordinary things with extraordinary love.

While Wilcox’s boundless generosity funded and oversaw massive, critical infrastructure updates — including the asphalt paving of level pathways to ensure wheelchair access to the columbarium, rosary trail, causeway, labyrinth, and the Marian and biblical gardens — his stewardship is deeply personal. In addition to resurfacing the main roadway with D-1 and updating the chapel's access ramp with a safety handrail and solar lighting, Wilcox’s hands-on presence is woven into the very fabric of the daily pilgrim experience.

As a faithful servant and beacon of hospitality, Wilcox spent hours studying the Shrine's historical booklets to master its history. Today, he can frequently be found sitting on a large rock at the circle drive, selflessly dedicating his time to greeting passing pilgrims, answering questions, and sharing oral histories passed down to him directly by the original builders of the Shrine Chapel.

His devotion further extends to a quiet, home-based ministry that perfectly captures the humble spirit of St. Thérèse: Wilcox personally fills and packages thousands of Holy Water and Blessed Salt sacramentals from his own home. These take-home gifts of grace are offered complimentary to Shrine pilgrims for their journey home.

The National Shrine of Saint Thérèse extends its deepest gratitude to Jim Wilcox for his exceptional piety, care, and love, praying that Saint Thérèse continues to intercede on his behalf.