Joseph L. Cox III

News Death Notice

Cox III, Joseph L. On January 10, 2013 Joseph L Cox III peacefully departed this world at home, surrounded by family. Joseph was born November 25, 1939 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Helen and Joseph L Cox II. He and his brother were raised by their paternal grandparents. Joe's grandfather was a general contractor, and working alongside him, Joe discovered a natural aptitude for working with his hands. Known to be quiet and mischievous, Joe excelled in school .He attended DePorres boys Catholic High School, located in the West End of Cincinnati. Here he embraced the discipline and calm of Catholicism, and he met Coach Franklin Shands who also served as DePorres' art instructor. Shands recognized Joe's athletic and artistic talent. Joe was on state championship track and basketball teams. With Shands' encouragement Joe applied to Miami University. He attended Miami on a full academic scholarship, majoring in art. While at Miami he played basketball, was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and sang in the Men's Glee Club. His rich baritone voice could often be heard at campus dances where he was a soloist. At Miami he met Barbara Ann Stephens, "the most beautiful woman" he had ever seen, and they were married shortly after graduation. He graduated from Miami with a B.F.A in 1961 and immediately went to serve in U.S. army as an intelligence officer. Following his military service Joe worked as an artist at various companies including Gibson Greeting Cards and NCR. From 1966-1985 he was a designer and consultant to the C.M. Paula Company where he was the creative mind behind the companies statuettes. In 1971 he received his M.F.A. from the University of Dayton then returned to Miami to teach. As an art professor he taught illustration, advertising and design, sculpting and painting. He went on to become Chair of the Art Department and later Associate Provost. He never lost sight of his students however. He would stop in to the art studios on the weekends to check their progress, and hold cookouts at his home where they would laugh dance and make fun of one another. Despite winning countless awards during his illustrious career, he said his greatest pleasure was supporting the growth of his students. Barbara and Joe were married nearly 51 years and have two children Stephanie and Joseph. They enjoyed many summer vacations together traveling throughout the world, and many winters sledding. Joseph Lloyd Cox III retired from Miami University after 36 years of enjoyable service. In his retirement he devoted himself to the things he loved: art, restoring old cars and his family. He is preceded in death by his father Joseph L Cox II, mother Helen Smallwood Cox, and sister Gloria Cox Daniels. He leaves to carry on his legacy his wife Barbara Stephens Cox, daughter Stephanie Cox-Batson (husband Barry), son Joseph Lloyd Cox IV (wife Jodi), brother Landon Cox (wife Pam) and five grandchildren: Jalyn Cox, Noa Batson, Hannah Batson, Jaycee Cox and Joseph Lloyd Cox V. The family is deeply grateful to Hospice of Cincinnati, the Oxford and Miami University communities, our neighbors, friends and the "carolers". Services will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 25 E. Walnut Oxford, OH 45056 on Monday, January 14, 2013 at 11am. Reception to follow at Miami University Marcum Conference Center. The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made to: The Joseph L. Cox III Memorial Scholarship Fund, Miami University Foundation, Murstein Alumni Center, 725 E Chestnut St, Oxford, Ohio 45056-2480 (513)-529-6023 and/or The Cox Family Fund, Oxford Community Foundation, 22 E High St Oxford, Ohio 45056 (513)-523-0623.The Cox Family Fund has been servicing the local community for 10 years. Condolences may be sent online to www.smithoglefuneralhome.com