James Cockrell

Funeral services for James ("Jim") Milton Cockrell, 73, of Cleburne, Texas will be conducted at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Mansfield Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Skyvue Memorial Park in Mansfield.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6-8 P.M., Wednesday, December 18, at Rosser Funeral Home.

James ("Jim") Milton Cockrell passed from this earthly life on December 13, 2024, at the age of 73. He was born on April 17, 1951, to C.A. and Mildred Cockrell in Abilene, Texas.

Jim often said that his greatest accomplishment was marrying the love of his life, Melody Haws, on May 26, 1973. For over 51 years, their marriage was a beautiful journey of love, devotion, and partnership. Jim adored Melody, and their relationship was marked by deep respect, unwavering support, and an enduring romance that inspired everyone who knew them. He told her every day how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. Whether they were sharing quiet moments or tackling life's challenges together, Jim's greatest joy was simply being by Melody's side.

Jim was a devoted father and grandfather who loved his family with his whole heart. His

children remember laughter, family vacations, soccer tournaments and his brutal honesty. You never asked a question you did not want an honest answer to. He pushed his children to excel beyond their own expectations and was always there to praise them for a job well done. He poured himself into the lives of his children and grandchildren, always eager to support their dreams, share in their triumphs, and guide them through life's challenges. His love was boundless, and he was never too busy to listen, coach, or cheer from the sidelines. He taught them the value of hard work, integrity, and faith, and his legacy will live on through the lessons he imparted and the memories he created with them.

Jim dedicated his professional life to education, teaching a variety of subjects in the public school system, though history was always his favorite. His passion for teaching extended far beyond the classroom. When his middle daughter, Molly, wanted to play soccer at the age of 8, and her team needed a coach, Jim stepped up without hesitation. Despite having little experience with the sport, he threw himself into learning everything he could, becoming a master of the game and sharing his love of soccer with countless children throughout the years. He became the president of Mansfield Soccer Association in 1987, took a team of girls to West Germany in 1989 and was able to establish the first girl's soccer team at Mansfield High School in 1990. Jim coached each of his children, most for multiple years, in the sport that he loved. Recently, he built a soccer field on his property for 2 of his grandsons that he currently coaches. His ability to inspire, teach, and lead left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Jim was a natural born leader and was always trying to improve his community. Jim worked as the press secretary for a U.S. Congressional campaign in June of 1978, worked with the West Texas Chamber Of Commerce in April of 1979, served on the city council in Mansfield from 1988-1992 and recently reignited his passion for community when working for the Johnson County Central Appraisal Board.

Jim's hobbies reflected his zest for life and his love for connecting with others. He had a passion for riding motorcycles, finding freedom and adventure on the open road. He was also a master storyteller, weaving tales with such vivid detail that his listeners felt as if they were right there in the moment. His stories, often filled with humor and heart, were cherished by all who heard them. He also had a knack for putting his stories into writing, immersing readers into his larger than life stories. He worked as a writer and photographer at numerous magazines and news outlets, and shared this passion with the next generation by teaching journalism at Legacy High School.

Jim's faith was the foundation of his life. He was an active and devoted member of the Mansfield Church of Christ, where he found a second family in his church community. As an elder at the church for over 30 years, he served with humility, compassion, and a servant's heart, always striving to reflect God's love in his actions. His church family was a source of great joy and inspiration to him, and he cherished the bonds he formed with fellow believers.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Melody; his daughter Sarah Cockrell and her children Sydney and Savannah; his daughter Molly Cox, husband Sammy and their children Cassidy and Colton; daughter Brooke Osburn and husband Dustin and their children Gabe, Eli, Boyd and Cole; and son Taylor Cockrell and wife Chelsea and their children Max and Jack; his sister Judy Gulley and her husband Maynard; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, former students, and loved ones who were blessed by his wisdom, humor, and generous spirit.

Jim will be remembered as a faithful servant, a devoted family man, and a pillar of his community. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, integrity, and faith lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.