James "Steve" Cox

James Stephen 'Steve' Cox, 72, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on February 14, 2024, with his family by his side. Born and raised in Bradenton, FL, on December 29, 1951, he lived a life marked by unwavering devotion to his faith, family, friends, and community. He was an esteemed community pillar and board member, serving in diverse leadership capacities across business, church, and charitable organizations.

He attended Ballard Elementary, Walker Junior High, Manatee High School, and Northwood University, leading up to his career as a fourth-generation Chevy dealer for Cox Chevrolet, a role he shared with his partner and brother, Gary Cox.

He is predeceased by his father, James Olin Cox Jr.; his mother, Joyce Purinton Cox Greene; his wife, Judy Musgrave Cox; and his grandson, Jesse Logan Lipsey, who was lost to a miscarriage. He is survived by his siblings Cindy Moore of Palmetto, FL; Nancy (Burt) Harris of Vilano Beach, FL; Gary (Shannon) Cox of Bradenton, FL; his children Tammy (Justin) Leavell, Jennifer (Jamie) Lipsey, and Jay (Jennifer) Cox; his seven grandchildren, Lexi and Olin Leavell; Jaden and Jordan Lipsey; Ellie, Emma, and Goldie Cox; along with his many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 1pm at First Baptist Church of Palmetto,1020 4th St. W.,Palmetto FL 34221, with a Celebration of Life service at 2pm at the Church. Committal will be held at Manasota Memorial Park immediately following the service. We will gather for a dinner reception from 5pm-7pm at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Park, located at 1221 53rd Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34203. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a memorial contribution to Suncoast Youth for Christ, a cause close to Steve's heart. Contributions can be sent to PO BOX 123, Bradenton, FL 34206, or made online at https://suncoastyfc.org/. Griffith-Cline Funeral Home is in charge of handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.griffithcline.com.

For those unable to attend, we invite you to join us by watching the live stream at https://www.fbcpalmetto.com/fbc-media/livestream.html.