James Philip Cox

In loving memory, we celebrate the life of James Philip Cox, affectionately known as Jim, who peacefully passed away on November 7th, 2025, from natural causes. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, on July 16th, 1947, to Rexford Philip Cox and Helen Marie Geiseinhaver (Dickens), Jim lived a life full of love, passion, and dedication to his family and community. Jim was a proud graduate of Beaverton High School, class of 1965, and pursued further education for two years thereafter. He embarked on a career that saw him make significant contributions in several roles, including his early years at C&O RailRoad and Combustion Engineering in Bridgeport, Michigan. Later, he returned to Beaverton to be near his loved ones, where he managed a local trailer park and subsequently joined the maintenance department at Mid-Michigan Regional Medical Center in Midland. His leadership skills were recognized when he became President of the Union Steel Workers of America (Post 14704), a role that reflected his commitment to advocating for workers' rights until he stepped down due to health reasons. Despite health challenges, Jim retired with dignity, admired by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. A man of varied interests, Jim was happiest in the great outdoors, indulging in camping, fishing, hunting, and enjoying cookouts with family and friends. His enthusiasm for hunting was particularly infectious, often sharing tales of his time in the blind during hunting season. Jim was also an avid sports fan, with a special fondness for basketball and a deep loyalty to the University of Michigan Wolverines football team. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother Brian E. Cox, and his cherished wives, Barbara Jo Cox (West) and Pearl (Haney) Cox. His legacy lives on through his daughters, Rebecca Lynn Kile (Charles Kile) of Newberry, Michigan, and Tamara Jo Jones of Ocala, Florida; his stepsons, Dennis and Shiela Haney, and Ryan Haney. He is also survived by his siblings, Connie Jean Mercer (Roger Samuel Mercer) and Judith Marie Davis (Donald Davis), both from Beaverton, Michigan. Jim was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren—Charles Kile, Jr., Chase Lough, Thomas Kile, Hannah Lough, and Remington Lough—and seven great-grandchildren, Abigail Lough, Carijana Brooks, Grayson Lough, Ericija Kile, Kaiden Kile, Adilynn Altman, and Weston Kile. Jim was a dedicated member of the Eagles Club in Beaverton, Michigan, where he found camaraderie and joy. His impact on his community was profound, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. A memorial service to honor Jim's remarkable life will be held on September 25th, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Arbutus Cemetery Memorial on Howard Road, Beaverton, Michigan. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon following the service at the Eagles Club in Beaverton, Michigan (Albright Shores) at 3:00 PM to share memories and celebrate Jim's life. His family extends their deepest gratitude for the love and support during this difficult time and hopes to see you at the luncheon to honor a life well-lived.