James D. "Jim" Cochran

James "Jim" Cochran, affectionately known as "Bugs," passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 90. A pillar of Marshall County, Jim dedicated over seven decades to journalism, community service, and chronicling the life of the Ohio Valley, leaving a lasting legacy in the region he loved. Born in 1934 to Ezra and Alberta Cochran in Moundsville, West Virginia, Jim was the youngest of three siblings. He attended Moundsville Senior High School (class of 1952) while also working part-time at The Echo newspaper. This early experience launched a remarkable career, leading to his inclusion on the John Marshall Wall of Fame. In the early 1950s, he joined The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register as a copy boy under Editor Harry Hamm, who hired him after a phone interview. Jim quickly transitioned to reporting, covering hard news, local events, and sports. His versatility led to his presidency of the West Virginia Sportswriters Association, though he never saw himself solely as a sportswriter. Stationed at the Journal Office in Moundsville, Jim became a trusted voice, covering events across Marshall County, and goings-on at the Moundsville City Council, Marshall County Commission, Marshall County Board of Education, and other local institutions. His weekly column, The Marshall Memo, published in the Wheeling News-Register, was a community staple, offering insights into local events and history. Even after retiring from full-time reporting in 2016 at age 81, Jim continued writing The Marshall Memo, with his final column published posthumously in the Wheeling News-Register on August 16, 2025. Jim's reporting captured the heart of Marshall County. His coverage of the former West Virginia Penitentiary included its community role, like public baseball games, and dramatic events, such as the prisoners' tunnel escape under the greenhouse, which he and photographer Scott McCloskey documented first. The 2009 Marshall County Fairbook was dedicated to Jim for his tireless promotion of the event. He also appeared as a minor extra in the 1971 film Fools' Parade, filmed in Moundsville, and vividly recalled dining with Jimmy Stewart during production. Beyond journalism, Jim served 32 years in the West Virginia National Guard, was a 50-year member of the Moundsville Lions Club – holding the longest tenure as secretary – and contributed to the local planning commission and historical endeavors. He was honored as Grand Marshal for the 2022 Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. An avid baseball fan, particularly devoted to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jim traveled with his wife, Linda, to every Major League Baseball stadium through Uniglobe Travel, sharing these adventures in his columns. He was present at Forbes Field on October 13, 1960, when Bill Mazeroski hit his iconic World Series home run, a moment especially cherished by the lifelong Pirates fan. He is survived by his daughter, Melinda, and son-in-law, Kenneth, and granddaughter, Lillian of Hurricane, WV, step-grandchildren Kaitlin and Jonathan, and his older brother, E. Howard Cochran. He is also survived by nieces Jane Cooper and Sue Thomas, nephew Gary Huddlestun, and their families. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and his cherished sister, Melba Huddlestun. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory, 400 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Wesley Howsare, with interment to follow at Northview Cemetery, New Martinsville, West Virginia. Donations may be made in Jim's honor to the Moundsville Lions Club or the Marshall County Animal Rescue League, PO Box 13, Glen Dale, WV 26038. His final Marshall Memo column, published in the Wheeling News-Register on August 16, 2025, stands as a testament to his lifelong dedication to Marshall County. Jim Cochran's legacy of service, connection, and storytelling will forever resonate in the Ohio Valley. He will be deeply missed but always remembered.