James "Jim" William Cox

James William Cox (Jim) was born in Durant, Oklahoma 08/12/1937 and entered his eternal Home 04/04/2023 surrounded by his family in Jacksonville, NC. James was one of nine children and grew up predominantly in Arizona.

In his 85 years, Jim was many things: A faithful Christian, husband, father, grandpa, Army veteran, Ballistics Meteorologist, newspaper pressman, proud member of the Choctaw Nation, three-time Choctaw Nation District 9 Male Senior of the Year, diehard Yankees fan, lover of classic cars, member of the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, fixer of all things broken, fan of camping and traveling, and lifetime bowler up through his 83rd year!  His faith in Christ was his anchor no matter the storm. He loved the Lord with all he had and lived his life in service to Him and others.

Jim had a tender, romantic heart, a quick wit, a dry sense of humor, and tales from his younger years that would make you wonder how he made it out alive. He gave the best advice, was always willing to listen, and was a patient teacher. He was strong and steady, like a lighthouse pointing you the way home. He was a natural leader, often a man of few words, but when he spoke, it mattered. Jim made an impression wherever he went, first for his strong faith, and next for his optimism. Despite his cancer, every day was a good day and life was for the living!

Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife, Carol, of the home; son, James (Jennifer) Cox of Medford, Oregon, daughter, Shelly (Tim) Ford of Maysville, NC, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, siblings: Billy Cox, Bennington, OK; Lucretia (Pat) Wood, Atoka, OK; Martha Kay Wight, Bennington, OK; Sheila Diane Arnett (Jack), Bennington, OK; Jerry Don Cox (Toni), Phenix City, AL; and Barbara Ann Mozeyko (Mark), Bennington, OK, and countless friends and relatives.

Jim was preceded in death by two wives, Carol Diana Cox and Ann Dorothy Cox, his parents, Johnnie Laverne and James Arvin Cox, sisters Susan and Mary Yvonne, and granddaughter, Amanda.

The family wishes to thank oncologists Dr. Sarah Carroll and Dr. Joshua Zeidner, the SECU Family House (Chapel Hill), and Cardinal Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.

Services are being handled by Sayland Funeral Home in Maysville, NC. The memorial service will be held at Belgrade Church in Maysville, NC on Thursday, April 20th at 2 p.m. Per James’s wishes, there will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of James to Belgrade Church at PO Box 161, Maysville, NC 28555 or Cardinal Hospice at 3886 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546.

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