James Boehringer Cobb

Brigadier General James Boehringer Cobb, USAF, (RET) passed away peacefully at his Metairie home on November 29, 2021 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 85 years of age. Beloved husband of 51 years to Judith Sharp Cobb (deceased). The father of Cynthia Cobb Trist, (Nick), and Constance Cobb Brennan, (Tommy). J.B., as his friends called him, was the loving grandfather of Nicholas P. Trist IV, (Micah), Beau Trist, (Peyton), Thomas Brennan, (Caroline), Blakely Brennan and Cooper Brennan. Great grandfather to Beau Brennan. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Armond Cobb and Ella Boehringer Cobb, and his brother, James Armond Cobb, Jr. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. The family gratefully acknowledges the loving relationship he shared with his companion Cappy Kehoe, with whom he spent many happy years. JB graduated from St. Martin's High School, Metairie, Louisiana, in 1954 and received a Bachelor's degree in business administration from Tulane University in 1958. He completed Air Command and Staff College in 1977, and Air War College in 1982. In June 1958 the general was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. Upon graduation from pilot training at Craig Air Force Base in Alabama. He flew B-47s with the 19th Bombardment Wing at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. In May 1961 he was assigned to the 310th Bombardment Wing at Schilling Air Force Base in Kansas. Released from active duty in 1964 General Cobb was assigned to the 926th Tactical Airlift Group at the New Orleans Naval Station, where he flew C-119s and C-130s. He transferred to the 815th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi in 1977 as an instructor pilot, and then flight examiner, in the WC- 130H. He assumed command of the 185th Weather Reconnaissance Group, also at Keesler. He later became vice commander of the 403rd Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing at Keesler. In 1985 the 23rd Air Force relocated to Scott Air Force Base, III, and to Hulburt Field, Florida, in 1987. He was promoted to brigadier general on March 23, 1988. In May 1990 the 23rd Air Force was redesignated as the Air Force Special Operations Command. The general was a command pilot with more than 7,400 military flying hours, and has an airline transport rating with more than 2,300 civilian flying hours. His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, Combat Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with five oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass device, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Then on August 30th, 1991 he was presented The Legion of Merit by the President of the United States, an honor he was the most proud of. General Cobb retired from the United States Air Force in January 1996. In his civilian life he owned Oakridge-Farnham Services Inc., a multi-line property and casualty insurance agency; was general agent for a national life insurance company; and division manager for a securities broker dealer. He was a member of the United States Senatorial Club, Life Underwriters Association and Professional Insurance Agents, and life member of both the Air Force Association and the Reserve Officers Association. He was also a member of the New Orleans Country Club and several carnival organizations. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 2 pm at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. Visitation from 1 pm until service time. A full military graveside service in Metairie Cemetery will follow the chapel service. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in J.B.'s name to Munholland United Methodist Church, 1201 Metairie Rd, Metairie, La. 70005 or St. Paul's High School, 917 Jahncke Ave., Covington, La 70433. To sign the family guest book please visit www.Iakelawnmetairie.com.