James William Cox papers

Collection

Identifier: MSM-2010-012

Scope and Contents

This collection is presented in two series. Series I consists of papers pertaining to the Cox family, such as school grades and church certificates. Series II consists of various church histories and certificates of baptism, church membership and transferal.

Dates

Creation: 1902 - 1986

Creator

Cox, James William (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical Note

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James William Cox was born November 8, 1902, to Thomas James and Sarah Elizabeth (Bennett) Cox, Pittsylvania County, Virginia. When only five, his father died. In 1922, James graduated from Ferrum Training School, now Ferrum College. In 1986, the school presented him with a Distinguished Alumnus Award of Service to the Church.

He came to Anderson, Indiana in 1923. A friend invited him to the Fifth Street Methodist Protestant Church where he met Opal May Lytle. They were active in Christian Endeavor and choir. He received his first church appointment, August, 1925. He and Opal were married, September 30, 1925.

Cox was ordained an Elder in 1939. He became District Chairman of Evangelism, Missions, Town and Country and active on other Commissions. Because of ill health, he retired in 1968 and moved to Anderson. After recovering from a serious operation, he supplied churches, traveled and did real estate business. The Coxes went to the Franklin United Methodist Home in 1977.

After two operations and declining health, James died August 20, 1986. He was survived by wife, Opal, and children, James William, Jr. [DPU '49]; Robert Lee [DPU '55]; Paul Thomas; and Virginia Ruth McCoy [DPU '63].