James Steven Wilhoit of McKinney, TX passed away surrounded by loved ones on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the age of 66. He was born on December 26, 1957 in Kansas City, Missouri to Carol Lee and James Edward Wilhoit. Steve graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School in 1976, before earning a Dual Communications and History Degree at William Jewel College in 1981. During his time at William Jewel, he was a member of the Fiji (Phi Gamma Delta) fraternity and loved pitching for the Cardinal baseball team.
Throughout most of his career, Steve worked in his beloved wine industry. Over the past 11 years, He worked for Wines U as a Regional Sales Manager. In this position, Steve thrived with his quick humor, unending knowledge, and approachable nature. His tenure with Wines U was not only a blessing to his vocational journey, but a wonderful support to him and his family throughout his cancer battle.
Steve loved life, good food and conversation, travel, and most of all his family. He was a proud father; an avid Red Sox fan; and rarely met a dessert he didn’t like. Quality time with him always involved music: Louis Armstrong, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson and so many more. Steve had a deep passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ and loved to spend time talking about God’s love and faithfulness. He was gregarious and funny, and he loved to talk. If you had the time, Steve would share from his wealth of knowledge for hours.
He was an active member of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Parish, where Steve formed invaluable friendships and gave his time and talents whenever he could. This community, in addition to the love and support of his family and friends, have carried him through the many highs and lows of the past few years.
Steve is preceded in death by his father, James Edward Wilhoit and sister, Shannon Leigh (Voyles) Nixon.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Wilhoit; six children: Ashley Torgler and husband, Bradley of Overland Park, Kansas; Austin Wilhoit and wife, Elise of Belton, Missouri; Parker Wilhoit of Roseville, Minnesota; Margaret Wilhoit of Roseville, Minnesota; Elise Wilhoit of McKinney, Texas and Caroline Wilhoit of McKinney, Texas; five grand-children, Ryder Torgler and Everly Torgler (Ashley), Walter Wilhoit, Freya Wilhoit and Nathanael Wilhoit (Austin); mother, Carol Voyles; sister, Cathy Christy and husband, Kevin; brother, John Wilhoit and wife, Kipp; and sister, Angel Marcus.
From his first breath to his last, Steve was deeply loved. We will miss the sound of his laugh, the way he loved to set the mood with good music, his stories, and most of all his hugs. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all your love, prayers and support.
We would also like to thank the many doctors and nurses at UTSW and Baylor Scott & White for their tremendous care over the past 2 years.
The family will receive friends during a memorial visitation Thursday evening, March 7, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine, Jackson, Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 8, 2024 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 110 St. Gabriel Way, McKinney, Texas 75071. The service will also be live streamed on the following link: https://www.stgabriel.org/funerals-online.