Jim Cox

James Clinton "Jim" Cox, beloved father, brother, and dedicated public servant, passed away on January 11, 2026, at his home in Kempner, Texas, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. Born on June 30, 1949, in Lampasas, Texas, Jim was the son of Virgil Edell Cox and Corrine Roden Cox. He graduated from Lampasas High School in 1967, attended CTC, and later completed the fire academy at Texas A&M. He continued his training at Scott & White, earning his state certification in EMS. Jim devoted his life to serving the people of Lampasas County as a first responder. He played a key role in establishing the Kempner Fire Department, where he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter. In the early 1970s, he moved to Lampasas to join the Lampasas Fire Department, retiring as a paid firefighter in the early 1990s. His service didn't stop there-Jim went on to work as an EMT and later as a paramedic for Lampasas County, as well as for Granite Shoals EMS. He later worked for Walmart while continuing his passion for service as a volunteer firefighter in Lometa. One of his greatest joys was leading the Lampasas Fire Department's annual toy drive, a tradition he helped grow and faithfully oversaw each year. Jim is survived by his daughter, Tonya Johnson of Copperas Cove, Texas; his son, James L. Cox and wife Lois of Salado, Texas; his brothers, Robert Cox of Copperas Cove and Jackie Cox of Kempner; his sisters, Ann Gee of Magnolia, Texas, and Shirley Wangler of Kempner, Texas; and his stepdaughters, Cyndi Sims of Lometa, Texas, and Chandra Spitzer and husband Robert of Copperas Cove, Texas. He is also survived by his stepsons, Robert Pettigrew and wife Shawndra Cain of Pearland, Texas, and Rickard Mitchell and wife Lynn of Madison, Alabama. His grandchildren include Chelyse Cox Blackmon, Kelyse Cox, Bethany Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Zackary Cox, Patrick Cox, Ryan Cox, Ashlee Clawson, Bailee Cox, and Kaylee Cox. Step-grandchildren include Avery Mitchell, Zandra Mitchell, Katie Mitchell, Madisyn Walle, Alexis Walle, Kyle Winstead, Bryon Winstead, Skyler Buteaur, Ashley Lacaze, Sonia Edmondson, Dakota Hand, Dillon Sims, Megan Westbrook, Dakota Bannister, McKenzie Pettigrew, Kendall Pettigrew, Gracelynn Pettigrew, Mateo Cain, Dianne Harwill, Raymond Wallace, Samantha Spitzer, Joshua Spitzer, Noah Spitzer, Romella Spitzer, and Veronica Hood. His great-grandchildren include Cody Johnson, Allison Blackmon, Isabella Harrod, Elena Harrod, Avery Herrod, Noah Campbell, and Elijah Villarreal, along with over 20 step great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Corrine Cox; his grandparents, Walter and Ethel Cox; his late wife, Gail Odom Cox; his sister, Cora Flud; his grandson, Ethan Christian Campbell; step-granddaughter, Melanie Pacheco; stepdaughter, Romona Pacheco; step-grandson, Evan Cain. Pallbearers include Rodney Andrews, Mike Mayfield, Terry Lindsey, Brian Keen, Shelly Harrod, and Trey Dolicarpio.

Jim Cox

June 30, 1949 - January 11, 2026