Dr. James Samuel Cox

Dr. James Samuel Cox passed away at home on October 13, 2023 at the age of 88, surrounded by loving family. He was born July 28, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Marshall H. Cox Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Bateman. He graduated from Denison University in 1957 and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Chicago, and completed his Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh in 1974. As an Air Force 2nd Lieutenant, he served as a supply officer on Okinawa. On his return, Cox joined the accounting faculty at Ohio University in 1964. His forty years of teaching included two years in the University’s USAID program in Kano, Nigeria; teaching and directing a business degree program at Mara Institute of Technology in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1975-1995); and lecturing at Chubu University in Nagoya, Japan (1988). Jim’s attention to students’ success was noted by the awarding of the first Faculty-Staff Contribution Award. In 1981, he was awarded a faculty fellowship at PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Jim married Sarah Lewis, also a Denison University graduate, in 1958 and they have been life partners in everything for 65 years. While in Athens, Jim was a great supporter of Ohio University athletics, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and the Copperheads, a wooden bat baseball league. In 2012, Jim and Sarah moved to Severna Park, MD to be closer to family. Jim became an active member of the community as trustee of First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, an avid bridge player, and an admired grill master at neighborhood cul de sac events.

With the birth of 8 grandchildren, Jim’s interest and pride focused on their many passions. He listened well and learned much from each, and enjoyed many lively debates. Gramps instilled in his family his love of ice cream, game playing, popcorn, the beach, adventurous travel, and strong opinions. In turn, his grandchildren instilled in him non-judgmental love and acceptance.

Cox is survived by his wife Sarah, his brother Marshall Cox (Nathalie), and four children: Kathy Cox (Stewart Henderson), Marcy Warner (Jim), Mindy LeBlanc (Gregg), and James S Cox Jr (Sarah); eight grandchildren: Nat Henderson-Cox, Josh Henderson-Cox (Sarah Johnsrude), Ellie LeBlanc Campbell (Shane), Sam LeBlanc, Abbey Warner, Austin Warner, Ella Cox, and Lily Cox; nieces Vanessa Nishikubo (Toru) and Jamie Majer (Barrett), nephew Greg Lewis, and great nephews Ayumu Nishikubo, Ryo Nishikubo, and Everett Majer. He was preceded in death by nephew, Marshall Cox III.

Jim loved and was so proud of his family and their individuality, and of his Ohio University Bobcats. Dr. Cox was easily recognized on the college campus of Ohio University riding his red Vespa, dressed in a natty bow-tie and Birkenstocks with white socks. The family hopes he was greeted in heaven by Berry and Maddie, two of his golden retriever dogs.

A private family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to:

https://donorbox.org/loyola-street-medicine

https://www.athenscasa.org/donate