Kim Cox in his restored 1946 CJ2A Willys.

WARSAW — Warsaw locals Kim and Cindi Cox have a unique offer for the families of local veterans. Having restored a historical Army vehicle, the Coxes would like to offer its service to those putting a veteran to rest.

Kim has always had an appreciation for restoring historical vehicles, so when a family member wanted to give up the frame of a 1946 CJ2A Willys Kim gladly took it and began researching the parts and pieces to properly restore it.

The restoration soon became a family project. While on deadline to have the vehicle up and running before a family vacation, Kim, his son KC and his grandsons tirelessly constructed the vehicle in just two weeks. The Jeep still has its original engine and was rebuilt with original parts.

“The last 60 hours we worked non-stop and my wife [and daughter-in-law] would just bring us out food,” said Kim. Looking to potentially custom build more Willys and military vehicles in the future, Kim laughs, “I’m never going to try and build one in two weeks again.”

While neither Kim nor Cindi are veterans themselves, both of their fathers were in the army and they carry a great respect for veterans. A helmet attached to the Jeep’s roll bar carries Kim’s father’s helmet lining.

“{The Willys] makes people feel good,” says Cindi, “[Kim] has been saluted while driving it; people will come up to us and ask about it.”

“Vets will come up and start telling me stories,” added Kim. “I love to hear it.”

The Coxes would like to offer their restored Willys to the families of local veterans when laying them to rest, offering to lead the veteran’s funeral procession. While there will be no charge for this service, as it is the Coxes way of saying thank you to veterans for their service, the Coxes will accept an American-made 3×5 American flag or a donation to purchase one. Any donation given will strictly be used to purchase flags. An American flag is flown on the back of the Willys year-round.

If you are interested in using the 1946 CJ2A Willys in your loved one’s funeral, please contact Cindi at [email protected]. If you would like to use the restored Willys for other veteran related services other than funeral processions, the Coxes will consider on a case by case basis.