James Cochran Cleveland

Family-Placed Funeral Notice

JAMES COCHRAN CLEVELAND 84, died peacefully on February 28, 2004, with his family at his side at Hospice of Palm Beach County's C.W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in WPB. Jim joins his wife of 52 years, Ruth J. Cleveland who died December 13, 1999. Fondly known as “Paw Paw” to his family, Jim is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Sue C. Deakin of Palm Beach Gardens, two granddaughters: Laura Angle of Laurel, MD, and Teresa Payne and her husband Richard of Oviedo, FL; two step-granddaughters: Libby and Jessica Deakin of Boynton Beach; and two great-grandsons: Jaylin and Jordan Lyles, Laura's children. Born on January 19, 1920 in Fleming, KY, Jim grew up in Staunton, VA, where he attended Dunsmore Business School and started his 38-year career as plant manager with the DuPont Company. He proudly served his country as a Platoon Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, being the first in his city to enlist for W.W.II. He received many medals for his service on the U.S.S. Monterey in the Pacific to include the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with silver and bronze stars and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. After the war, he and Ruth were transferred to Argentina to establish a plant for DuPont. The remainder of his career was in Delaware. Serving his fellow man and community were important to Jim and he actively did so as a Mason, Shriner, Rotarian, member of the Sons of the American Revolution, various Presbyterian churches, the first Mayor of South Bethany, DE, Ducks Unlimited, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron and Marine Corps League. He and Ruth were active volunteers with Hospice of Palm Beach County in the North Resale Shop and as patient care volunteers. Both enjoyed the water, fishing and their many trips on their boat, the Ivory Gull. Most important to Jim were his family, whom he always lovingly encouraged and supported. The family invites friends to join in a celebration of the lives of Jim and Ruth Cleveland on Friday, March 6 at 3 PM at the Charles W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach. Those wishing to honor Jim's life are asked to donate to Hospice of Palm Beach County at www.hpbc.com .