James Wesley Cochran

James "Jim" Wesley Cochran, 88, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Born on January 26, 1937, in Cortez, Colorado, Jim entered the world in the honey house on his maternal grandfather's property, a cherished family story rooted in his grandfather's hobby as a beekeeper.

Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Beverly, in 1955, having known her since junior high school. Their life together reflected deep devotion, love, and partnership through every adventure and career move. This past September, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, a remarkable testament to their enduring commitment. Jim expressed, "Once you find your perfect partner, why look any further?"

Jim was the son of Ruth Ocil Cochran and Joseph Wesley Cochran. He was preceded in death by his brother, Elton French, and is survived by his siblings, Noreen (Gary) Hogan and Charles (Bev) Cochran.

He graduated from Mary M. Knight High School in Shelton, Washington, where he demonstrated leadership and athleticism while participating in basketball, baseball, and wrestling. Following high school, Jim proudly served in the United States Navy Reserves from 1954 to 1962.

Jim began a successful career with IBM in 1956, affectionately known among employees as "I've Been Moved." His career spanned assignments in Portland, Oregon; Anchorage, Alaska; Kingston, New York; Rochester, Minnesota; Palo Alto, California; and Seattle, Washington. He held service-oriented and management roles and received numerous awards, including the Service Above Self Award, a particular point of pride. In 1992, Jim affectionately bid "adieu to Big Blue" and retired.

While living in Vancouver, Washington, Jim discovered a passion for flying and took to the skies in his Taylor Craft. During this time, he and Bev welcomed their daughters, Cheryl in 1958 and Brenda in 1960, laying the foundation of a loving and growing family. After returning to Seattle, Jim and Bev embraced square dancing, often spending Saturday nights at the local dancehall and traveling across the state with friends to enjoy music, movement, and fellowship.

Retirement brought new adventures. Jim and Bev built their home on Lakeland Golf Course in Washington, reflecting Jim's deep love for golf and the countless hours he and Bev spent playing with friends. In 2000, they began snow birding, exploring golf courses throughout sunny Arizona, and in 2020 moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, to be closer to family.

While Jim was known for his seriousness and dedication during his career, his warm and lighthearted side truly flourished in retirement. He could fix anything and would volunteer to help anyone: repairing cars, installing tile, tackling electrical projects, building decks and fences, pouring cement, or just about anything you could think of. A true do-it-yourselfer, Jim was the ultimate Renaissance man. He and Bev loved bringing people together, and Jim was a natural host who cherished time with family and friends, whether at home or traveling the roads in their RV.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Ken) Dunham and Brenda (Kent) Olander; grandchildren Erin (Chad) Moshier, Maxim (Julie) Olander, Sean (Michelle) Olander, Bradley (Charisse) Ritterbush, Brianna (Tre) Scott, Trinity (Will) Bender, and Victoria Dunham; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Jim will be remembered for his wisdom, guidance, ethics, faith, and playful nature. He had a gift for punchlines and delighted in sharing his fun-loving, positive spirit. A devoted husband, father, papa and great papa, Deeply loved and never forgotten, Jim's kindness, humor, and life lessons will remain with us, shaping the way we live and love.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory be made to your local Cancer Society or Pathways Hospice of Northern Colorado.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on January 24 at 1:00 p.m. at Mountain View Church, 2330 E. Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend, remember Jim, and share cherished memories.