James Walter Cox

Dec. 31, 1931 ~ Feb. 16, 2013
James Walter Cox, 81, dearly loved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and community member, passed away in his home at 1 p.m. February 16, from complications due to pancreatic cancer.
James was born December 31, 1931 in Pocatello, Idaho, to Lewis Walter and Ella Gribble Cox. James played in the marching band in high school and was an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Pocatello High School in 1950, he joined the Navy, and spent four years training in Hawaii. He attended Idaho State University where he studied to be an electrical engineer; he was also in the Civil Air Patrol.
James moved to Washington State where he earned his BSEE from the University of Washington and went to work for Boeing and later worked in California where he met his wife Margaret Kennarde. They were married October 17, 1962 in the LDS Logan Temple.
The couple's first child, Karen, was born while they were in California. The family later moved to Logan Utah where he earned his master's degree from Utah State University in computer science. Following the birth of their second daughter, Susan, the couple moved to Corvallis, Oregon where James pursued a doctorate degree at Oregon State University. He left the school to take a professorship position at Lane Community College, in Eugene, Oregon where he taught math and computer science, as well as doing computer support for the college. James and Margaret moved to Springfield, Oregon where two additional children, Kevin and Cynthia, were born.
James and Margaret resided in Springfield for many years during which they were involved in both the LDS Church and community service. James was an avid ham radio operator and was skilled in emergency preparedness. In 2004, the couple moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah, to finish out their retirement closer to family. James and Margaret just recently celebrated their 50-year wedding anniversary; the couple served each other faithfully and selflessly to the end. They also served others in the LDS Timpanogos Temple.
James is survived by his wife, Margaret; four children, Karen, Susan (Leonard) Howe, Kevin and Cynthia (Ken) Burraston; 17 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; Sister Lois Anne (Gene) Stewart, Pocatello, Idaho and Sister Lorna (Mike) Bartlett, McCammon, Idaho. James was preceded in death by his parents.
An evening viewing will be held Thursday, February 21, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 22, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Pleasant Grove Ninth Ward Chapel, 455 East 200 South, Pleasant Grove. Family and friends may also attend a viewing one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery, 1000 N. 1200 East, Logan,Utah at 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon with full military honors, followed by a no-host dinner at a restaurant in Logan.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.