Photo courtesy of Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg
Leesburg , Virginia
Oct 15, 1927 – Feb 4, 2016 (Age 88)
Jay Cochran Jr.
Born in Gary, Indiana October 15, 1927 passed away Thursday morning February 4, 2016 in Ashburn, Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jay Cochran Sr., his mother, Edna Frances McLimans and his brother James Cochran.
Survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Amon Cochran, and one brother, John Cochran, two daughters, Christie Lee Lowe and Claudia Ann Revella, two sons, Randall Linn Cochran and Jay Cochran III and six grandchildren, Casandra Revella, Francesca Revella, Lindsey Cochran, Kyle Cochran, Grace Cochran and Virginia Cochran.
Jay graduated from Michigan State University in May 1951 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jay received an appointment to the FBI in March 1952 and was initially assigned to Tulsa Oklahoma office before transferring to New York City. He then spent 10 years in the FBI laboratory in Washington, DC where he worked on several cases with historical significance. Jay then opted for Administrative Advancement and was transferred to El Paso, TX as Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC), then Houston, TX (ASAC), Inspector, Savannah, GA as the Special Agent in Charge(SAC), and then back to Headquarters as Assistant Director - all over the span of 27 years. For a more detailed report, see the Society's Oral History Report: http://www.nleomf.org/museum/the-collection/oral-histories/jay-cochran-jr.html?referrer=htgtps://www.google.com/
Three days after Jay's retirement from the FBI in 1979, he was appointed Director of the Virginia State Police's newly formed Bureau of Criminal Investigation where he worked for 6 years. Jay's next appointment was Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police from 1985-1987. In June of 1988, he was then appointed to the Virginia Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control as its Chairman.
Jay joined the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI in 1979 and served on the Board of Trustees for the Foundation from 2003 – 2004. He was a past Chairman of the Richmond Chapter which was officially renamed the Jay Cochran Jr. – Richmond Chapter on February 19, 2014 – the first time any chapter had ever been renamed for a living person.
Jay was an avid wood worker, building various pieces of furniture that will certainly stay in the family for generations. He was also a Redskins fan and of course a Spartan through and through – kind of serendipitous that Kirk Cousins is now the QB for the Skins.
Family and friends are invited to Quantico National Cemetery on February 19th at 12pm as we say good bye to Jay Cochran Jr. – husband, father, grandfather and Law Enforcement Leader.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable contributions be considered to either The Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI for the Scholarship Fund or History Fund at 3717 Fettler Park Drive, Dumfries, VA 22025 www.socxfbi.org or to The Alzheimer Foundation at www.alzfdn.org
Jay Cochran was a true friend and by far the best ABC Board Member that I ever served under. You didnt have to wonder if he had your back because he always did. May he rest in peace until we can meet again.
JOHN WRIGHT
February 12, 2019 | AMHERST, VA | Coworker
Dear Betty and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family over the loss of Jay. You were wonderful neighbors and we felt privileged to have lived across the "alley" from such fine people. He will be missed. Wishing you fond memories of Jay, Betty.
Susan and Roger Siemionko
Susan Siemionko
February 27, 2016 | Rehoboth Beach, DE
I had the privilege of working for Mr. Cochran at VACP. He was a fine man and I was very fond of him. My sincere condolences to the family.
Anne Tharin
February 20, 2016 | Richmond, VA
Christie, our hearts go out to you and your family as you gather together to celebrate your Father's wonderful life. He will be missed! We love you dearly! Sam, Sharon and Shawn Hedges
Shawn Hedges
February 16, 2016 | Grapevine, TX
I didn't know Jay that long, but a true gentleman and excellent representative of the law enforcement community at large, and the FBI in particular.
Allan Trosclair
February 15, 2016
I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Mr. Cochran as his secretary while at ABC. He was one of the finest men I ever work with. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Florence Hunt
February 15, 2016 | Midlothian, VA
Such an accomplished man, with quite an accomplished family. He will be greatly missed I know. Prayers go out to the family. Pam Zmud
Pam Zmud
February 15, 2016 | Dallas, TX
To the Family: I was sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one and will pray that God will comfort you as you deal with Jay's loss and go through the healing process. Under Jay's leadership the Va. State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation underwent needed change and advanced in it's ability and reputation as a professional criminal investigative agency. He and his contribution to law enforcement professionalism is well known and will be lasting. It was my pleasure to work under his...
Darrel E. Stilwell
February 15, 2016 | Richmond, VA
My husband, R David Jones served under Jay in the Bci. Under Jay he was appointed asst director. Never forget the day he helped us move from Ashland into Richmond. Sympathy to his family. Anne L. Jones, richmond va
February 14, 2016
