James Owen Cox

life story

James Owen Cox

James, Age 77, born March 17, 1945 passed away on June 7, 2022 peacefully at his home in Dayton, Ohio. He is survived by his loving wife, Diana “Cookie” of 57 years, Sister Pat Mallett (Troy) of South Carolina, his three children, Joe (Michelle), David, and Dana Cox-Kitchin.

He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Melinda, Kelsey, Shelby, Owen, Jacob, and David Jr., his great-grandson, Landon and his beloved dog Sophie. His death was preceded by that of his parents, Mary Margaret Mantia-Cox and Nevin Edwin Cox.

Life as Jim Knew It!

Better known to the world as Jim or “Papa”, he lived a long and incredibly fulfilling life in the presence of loving family and friends.

He was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and a 1963 graduate of Centerville High School. In his youth, he passed the time with his band, Ivan & the Sabers, performing throughout Ohio through the late 1960s to beloved audiences and with legends such as the Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones.

In his adulthood, Jim spent his career as a machinist at his company, Jaco Machine and Tool. Jim also loved to embrace the outdoors, and spent much of his time hunting, fishing, taking out his sailboat, riding his Harley, and working on classic cars. Jim’s favorite pastime was on the weekends at the family lake house on St. Mary’s Lake.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

July 17, 2022

Kettering American Legion Post 598 5700 Kentshire Dr, Kettering, OH 45440, USA

To honor Jim’s passion and love for classic cars and motorcycles, Street Rods and Harley-Davidson’s are encouraged and welcomed.