With a life spent dedicated to the trucking industry, Jim Wilcox’s attitude, actions and achievements inspire other drivers and are a shining example of what it means to be a Citizen Driver honoree.
In 2013, TA-Petro launched the Citizen Driver Program to honor exceptional drivers who exhibit strong citizenship, community involvement, leadership, health and wellness, and safety. To date, 26 Citizen Driver Honorees have been named as the best of the best. Jim is one of five members of the 2017 class.
A native of Farmington, New Mexico, Jim’s 35-year driving career is punctuated by 1.6 million accident-free miles. He has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including 2003 Yellow Transportation Driver of the Year, 2005 Yellow Transportation Professional Excellence Award, and 2006 National Truck Driver of the Year, presented by the American Trucking Association (ATA.) In 2013, Jim was inducted into YRC Freight National Driver Hall of Fame. Jim has also excelled in both state and national truck driving championships. He has competed in 20 state contests, winning his class 8 times.
“I have known Jim Wilcox for many decades now and I can say without hesitation that Mr. Wilcox is by far the best and most professional driver I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I have worked with Mr. Wilcox on a number of different projects, from committees to hands-on course designs for Truck Driving Championships and he has every quality that you would want to represent your organization. He is an honest, intelligent man with a great deal of integrity,” said Johnny R. Johnson, Managing Director, New Mexico Trucking Association Inc.
Jim continues to be a force in the trucking industry, even after retiring from YRC after 26 years to battle, and beat, colon cancer. He now works part time, transporting new trucks to truck shows and special events, as a Certified Commercial Driver Examiner at San Juan College, and as a volunteer course chairman and judge at state and national trucking championships.
“I have known Jim for nearly 10 years now and have always been impressed with his desire to help others and to reflect a positive image of the trucking industry. It seems so natural for Jim to put others first. Whether it is traveling hours to visit a sick friend, stopping whatever he is doing to organize a trucking run to deliver Toys for Tots, or volunteering as a judge at the National Truck Driving Championships,” said David May, Professional Truck Driver.
As a colon cancer survivor, Jim is very grateful to be where is now. He credits the love and support he’s received from his family both at home and in the trucking industry.
“Since Jim was forced into early retirement to fight his very difficult battle and victory with cancer, he has served as a mentor to others fighting the fight of their lives. Jim is a devoted husband and father, active community member in his small town in New Mexico, as well as having a long history as a great ambassador to trucking in his state and our country. As a Road Team captain, Jim helped to teach thousands of kids and adults how to share the roads safely with trucks and has continued to help other truck drivers become better drivers,” said Ina Daly.
Do you know someone who should be a Citizen Driver? TA-Petro is currently accepting nominations for our next class of Citizen Driver Honorees. You have until September 30, 2017 to submit your entry. The 2018 Citizen Drivers will be announced at a ceremony at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum.