COX, James (Jim)

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Wednesday, July 23, 2003 Jim Cox. On July 16, 2003 at 7:50 PM, surrounded by love in his home, our precious Jim Cox went to be with the Lord. He had courageously fought a 14 month battle with kidney cancer. Jim's faith in the Lord Jesus coupled with his humility and grateful heart encouraged all who knew him. Even after nearly 27 yrs. of marriage his wife Pam "counted it a privilege" to have had Jim as her husband. A fiercely loyal and committed man, Jim kept his priorities in order and constantly showered love on his family, friends and "his" company, Southwest Airlines. From an early age Jim's dream was to become a full-time pilot. He often said how incredibly blessed he was to have had his dreams realized. Jim was an extraordinary person, completely other oriented and the solid rock in every situation. Many people counted on Jim. His mother penned these words about Jim many years ago: "Son, You rose to the occasion, You always meet the need, You were always there, You reacted to the situation, You had such comprehension, You showed both love and care." Born June 27, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri, Jim spent his young years in Missouri and graduated from Joplin Senior High School in 1963. He went to Le Tourneau College in Texas for a year but left to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. In 1964 he got his private pilot's license and became a flight instructor. In 1965 Jim joined the Navy and served on the USS Ticon-deroga as an air traffic controller for four years. After the Navy, Jim helped his dad with the leasing and daily operation of a Standard gas station in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1971, Jim headed to Wisconsin for his first fulltime flying job with S.M.B. Each flying job gave him unique flying experiences. Sentry Insurance took him flying around the world on a G-III and Falcon-50. He loved everything about flying and found his greatest joy working for Southwest Airlines. Jim believed Herb Kelleher and Colleen Barrett to be special people whose personal dedication made working for Southwest Airlines far more than just a job. Jim was as proud of his Southwest Airlines uniform as he was of his navy uniform. The last words of Jim focused on the importance of serving the Lord and spending time with his family. His favorite book was the bible and his faith gave him great courage during his illness. Jim is survived by his mother, Thelma, who resided in a nursing home in Glendale, Arizona. He is also survived by his wife, Pam, who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, and his beloved children, Ashley, 19 yrs. and Justin 25 yrs. He has three sisters; Carolyn, who resides in Glendale, Arizona; Becky, who resides in Phoenix, Arizona and Jan, who lives in Brisbane, Austrailia. The memorial service will be held August 2, 2003 at Scottsdale Bible Church Chapel (480-824-7200) with a reception to follow in the family home. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary.