James "Jim" Edward Cox

James "Jim" Edward Cox, age 83, a lifelong resident of Munising, peacefully passed away on August 8, 2015 after a short illness. He was born on August 9, 1931 in Munising to William and Ida (Sylvester) Cox. During his high school years, Jim excelled in athletics. He played four years of varsity football, varsity basketball, but his passion was track. Jim was a U.P. Champion in the 100, 200, high jump and shot put. He became a pilot at the age of fifteen and claimed he was the youngest man to ever solo at Hanley Field. He graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1949 and attended Albion on a track scholarship. Jim returned home and married Ruth Ann Monette on June 17, 1950. He entered into the U.S. Air Force that year and following serving his country, returned home and attended Northern Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelors of Social Science and Accounting degree. He taught school in Munising and Shingleton MI and during the summers, he and his family would camp throughout the lower forty-eight. The family briefly moved to Arizona and upon returning joined the family business, Cox Chevrolet, working as the Accountant for many years. In 1970, Jim was in an accident that changed the course of his life. Jim recovered, but was no longer able to work. He took on the full time duties of raising their youngest daughter Becky throughout her school years. Jim and Ruth Ann loved their camping and family time, especially at Powell Lake. Other hobbies included a passion for rock picking, woodworking, string art, and puzzles. He also loved old cars, hunting and fishing when his health allowed. He served as a board member for the Munising Memorial Hospital and was a longtime member of the Munising Lions Club and American Legion. Most recently Jim was chosen to be a member of the upcoming Upper Peninsula Honor Flight in September and he was really looking forward to that experience.

Jim is survived by his children - Jimmy (Jean) Cox II of Blue Ridge, GA, Sue (Gary) Schertz of Christmas, and Becky (Jim) Schierschmidt of Munising; six grandchildren - Gary Lee (Alyssa) Schertz, Jennifer (Beau) VanLandschoot, Jason Cox, Krissy (Brock) Anderson, A.J. (Erin) Schierschmidt, and Samantha Schierschmidt; ten great-grandchildren - Abigail, Garrett, Logan, Lexi, Mia, Jazel, Anna, Alex, Sage, and Reed; sister - Louise Tiernan of Munising; sister-in-law - Dorothy Cox; brothers-in-law - Joe and Don Monette; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, RuthAnn on February 20, 2014, parents William and Ida Cox, daughter Debra, siblings William, Thomas, Ella Mae "Sis", and Ruth Cox, and great-grandsons James Michael and Devon Lee.

Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Friday, August 14, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Father Chris Gardiner will celebrate Jim's Mass at Sacred Heart Church on Friday at 12:10 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Munising. Interment will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery where the American Legion and Alger County Veterans Council will conduct military honors. A fellowship will follow at Sacred Heart Church basement.

Memorials in Jim's name are requested to be made to the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight c/o Becky Schierschmidt, N6857 Bond Road, Munising, MI 49862.