The James “Big Jim” Fillback Memorial Scholarship
Honoring a Legacy of Service, Dedication, and Community
Each year, the Fillback Family of Dealerships awards a $1,000 scholarship in memory of James “Big Jim” Fillback, a longtime dealership owner, Army Reserve veteran, and dedicated community leader. The scholarship honors his legacy by supporting a graduating senior who plans to carry forward the kind of work Jim spent his life doing.
Honoring Big Jim’s Legacy
James “Big Jim” Fillback
James “Big Jim” Fillback was a longtime owner and operator of Fillback Ford Inc., a proud Army Reserve veteran, and a dedicated community leader. Born in 1936, Jim graduated from Highland High School and Platteville University, and also attended Creighton University Medical School.
After his father’s passing in 1971, Jim took over the family’s automotive, agricultural, and farming businesses. He also served more than 20 years in the Army Reserves, retiring as a captain. Between the dealership, the farm, his military service, and his time at medical school, Jim’s life touched nearly every part of the community he served.
Why These Four Career Paths
The scholarship’s four eligible fields were chosen because each one represents a real part of Big Jim’s own life, not a generic list. A student pursuing any of these paths is, in a real sense, following a road Jim already walked.
Automotive Technology or Business
Reflecting Jim’s decades running Fillback Ford Inc. and the family’s automotive business.
Medical or Health Sciences
Reflecting Jim’s own time at Creighton University Medical School.
Military Service or ROTC
Reflecting Jim’s more than 20 years of service in the Army Reserves, where he retired as a captain.
Agricultural Studies or Farm Management
Reflecting the family’s agricultural and farming businesses that Jim took over and ran alongside the dealership.
About the Scholarship
The James “Big Jim” Fillback Memorial Scholarship awards one $1,000 scholarship annually to a graduating senior who plans to pursue a career in one of the four fields above. The scholarship is funded by the Fillback Family of Dealerships, as one part of the family’s ongoing commitment to the community Big Jim spent his life serving.
Award
One $1,000 Scholarship
Awarded annually
Application Deadline
April 15
Each year
Recipient Announced
Senior Awards Night
Funded By
Fillback Family of Dealerships
Eligibility
This scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Richland Center High School who plan to pursue education, training, or military service in one of the four eligible fields listed above. Applicants should demonstrate strong character, work ethic, and involvement in their school or community, the same qualities that defined Big Jim himself.
How to Apply
As part of the application, students will submit a short essay of no more than 500 words answering the following question:
Scholarship Essay Question
“How do you plan to carry forward the legacy of service, dedication, and community, values that Big Jim Fillback stood for?”
Applications are due by April 15 each year, and the recipient is announced at Senior Awards Night.
Scholarship Application Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Graduating seniors from Richland Center High School who plan to pursue a career in automotive technology or business, medical or health sciences, military service or ROTC, or agricultural studies or farm management.
How much is the scholarship, and how often is it awarded?
One $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year.
What do I need to submit?
A completed application along with a short essay, no more than 500 words, answering the essay question above.
When is the recipient announced?
At Senior Awards Night, after the April 15 application deadline.
Carrying Forward Big Jim’s Legacy
The Fillback Family of Dealerships established this scholarship to make sure Big Jim’s legacy of service, dedication, and community keeps shaping the next generation. If you have questions about the scholarship, contact us, or learn more about the Fillback Family of Dealerships.
