William "Bill" James Stilwell

William James Stilwell of London, Ohio passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on February 21, 1947, the son of Allen Stilwell and Helen Martin.

Bill attended West High School and upon graduation, he went to work for G.O. Coin. Under the mentorship of his dear friend Guy Oddi, he became an entrepreneur. Bill opened the Candlestick Lounge in Grove City and later opened The Broadway Café. He spent many years serving some of his favorite dishes and making people laugh. He held a real estate license and participated in various other business ventures throughout his career. Bill spent the majority of his life in Grove City, where he and his wife raised two loving daughters. Later in life, he finally got his wish when he and his wife moved to Choctaw Lake in London, Ohio. He spent countless hours boating, fishing, working in the yard, and enjoying both sunrises and sunsets from his waterfront deck. He loved sports and was a huge Ohio State Buckeyes football fan. He also followed the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Reds. He loved baseball and softball and spent many years watching his daughter play shortstop for Ashland University. He also enjoyed horse racing and purchased his own horse at Beulah Park.

He drew immense joy from sharing his love and laughter with all who knew him. He was a wonderful cook and looked forward to hosting summer gatherings and holiday dinners where he would send his guests home with enough food for a week. He was the true patriarch of his family. He had a huge heart, kind spirit, listening ear, sound advice, and a larger-than-life personality. Bill would light up any room and his unique laugh was contagious. He adored his family, especially his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judy. His daughters: Cindy (Tom) Stout and Kelly (Craig) Kavicky. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren: Garrett (Marina) Stout, Cameron (Elisa) Stout, Cooper Kavicky, Grace Kavicky, and great- granddaughter, Quinn Stout. He is also survived by his brother, Allen (Shirley) Stilwell, sister Marjorie (Paul) Pohle, brother-in-law, Kurt Daehnke; and numerous family and friends who will miss him dearly. His beloved dogs, Scooter and Queenie were his best companions.

Bill is preceded in death by his beloved parents; sister Kitty Daehnke and Renee Fowler; brother-in-law John Stone; nieces Christine Fowler and Michelle Mitchell.

Per Bills’ request, the family will host a celebration of life in lieu of a service. This will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, where family and friends are invited to stop by an open house between 1:00pm and 4:00pm at The Arrowhead Lodge at Choctaw Lake, 2875 Oneida Drive, London, Ohio, 43140.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the ICU teams at Madison Health, OSU East, and OSU Main for their excellent care and compassion.