Mostly Cloudy, 25° F
(April 18, 2004)
Memorial services for James W. Cox, who died Sunday, April 18 at the Powell Valley Health Care Center, will be Saturday, April 24 at 11 a.m. at Union Presbyterian Church. He was 81.
Mr. Cox was born April 2, 1923, to Roy and Bertha Cox in Seattle, Wash. After several years in the Seattle-Tacoma area, the family moved to Orcas Island in Puget Sound. He graduated from Orcas High School in 1941, attended Washington State University for one year and then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943.
While attending the University of Wyoming in the Specialized Training program, he met and courted Shirley Williams of Powell. He was sent overseas to fight in the Italian campaign with the 34th Red Bull Division, 5th Army. After World War II was over, he remained in the occupation army in Italy until January, 1946.
Returning to the U.S. to receive his discharge, he and Shirley were married on Feb. 7, 1946, at her parents' farm home near Powell. They went to Seattle where both finished their college education at the University of Washington.
In 1949, the couple returned to Powell to enter the farming business. Two children were born to them: Bill and Janet.
Over the years, Jim enjoyed his farming activities, hunting, fishing and camping trips, reading, bowling, card games with friends. In retirement, he took up wood carving and puzzles and traveling in the U.S. in a motorhome and overseas on tours and cruises. He belonged to the American Legion, the VFW, and Aerie 2426 of the Eagles Lodge, of which he was a past president.
There is an open gate at the end of the road through which each must go alone, and there is a light we cannot see as Our Father claims his own. Beyond the gate our loved one finds happiness and rest . . . and there is comfort in the thought that a Loving God knows best.
Survivors include his wife Shirley of 58 years; his son, Bill Cox (Noreen) of Powell; daughter Janet Baumann of Evergreen, Colo.; six grandchildren: Norman (Jodi) Cox of Casper, Jason and Ryan (Vickie) Cox of Rapid City, S.D., Kristin Cox Greenwald (Trent) of Powell, Brett and Dan Baumann of Evergreen, Colo.; and three great-grandchildren, Ethan and Avery Cox of Casper and Sheridan Cox of Rapid City.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to Powell Valley Hospice and Powell Hospital Auxiliary or to the charity of one's choice.
