James Jefferson Cobb

James Jefferson Cobb passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025 after battling mantle cell lymphoma.

Jeff was born in Corpus Christi on January 13, 1954, but grew up in El Paso, Texas where he attended Mesita Elementary School, Coronado High School, and UTEP. He began his love of music at Mesita where he learned to play the violin and later the drums. Jeff was hooked on the guitar after his cousin, Travis taught him how to play; thus, beginning his lifelong passion for the guitar. As a music major at UTEP, Jeff played classical guitar and also played electric guitar with a small band. Jeff always had a guitar nearby or handy to pick up and play songs or just to strum. Jeff had an excellent ear for music.

Jeff had fond memories with cars, planes, and motorcycles. Jeff got away with driving a car before the licensed age so he could do his paper route in the Mission Hills neighborhood. Then there was Pinki sharing his passion of engines and cars by teaching his “Dirty Dobber” how to take apart and rebuild their Chevrolet Corvair ‘s engine. Pinki also shared his passion of flying airplanes by providing Jeff flight lessons. As Jeff recalled, he was a natural especially with landings. Jeff also enjoyed riding motorcycles especially his 650 custom Honda.

Jeff’s other hobbies involved sports. As a young teenager, Jeff participated in Amateur Athletic Union swim events where he swam the breast stroke and also swam on relay teams. Later, he became a lifeguard, taught swim lessons, and managed his neighborhood swimming pool. In high school, Jeff lettered in tennis and continued his interest in tennis in college by working at the El Paso Tennis Club. Jeff enjoyed football and basketball; but, basketball was his favorite sport. He played weekend basketball with his friends and later coached his son’s recreational basketball teams. As an adult, Jeff enjoyed golf with friends and even played tournaments with his work buddies. Jeff also enjoyed participating in his children’s many and varied youth and school activities such as sports, scouts, and school plays.

Jeff had a long technology career starting with Western Union and ending with retiring from American Airlines. An IT career suited him well with his passion of building and rebuilding hard drives and computers, maintaining and installing networks, trouble shooting, and problem solving. Always an early technology adopter, Jeff loved gadgets like Alexa and security cameras.

He was preceded in death by his parents, affectionately known as Pud and Pinki Cobb; his two older sisters, Candy Richards and Becky Harrod. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marsha, his daughter Clara and his son Trevor and daughter-in law, Suzanne; and his precious grandsons Ryder and Martin. Also survived by his loving sister Julie Cobb-Cooper; his niece Wendy Holt and nephew Rick Harrod; and brothers-in-law, Michael and David Martin and other relatives. Jeff also leaves behind wonderful lifelong friends. He appreciated all the love and prayers from family and friends throughout his battle with cancer.

A family memorial will be held at a future time. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.