James Goff Cochran

James Goff Cochran 7/30/1940-4/17/2014 - He Loved Life! Jim Cochran was born in Detroit which explains his love for Motown Music and his favorite movie - "The Blues Brothers". Most of his childhood was spent in Darien, Connecticut, where he graduated from high school as an Honor Roll Student. He loved playing ice hockey on the pond behind his home. His proudest achievement was tricking out his 1949 yellow Ford convertible. He brought home Chuck Berry records to the delight of his siblings and dismay of his parents. In 1962, he graduated from his treasured Bowdoin College in Maine. He earned an MBA from Columbia University in NYC, followed by a career in marketing and sales at TWA, United Airlines, PCA, Southern Bell and AT&T. He and his wife Robin (whom he married in 1964) lived in New Rochelle, N.Y., and Chicago before settling in Charlotte in 1972. His life in Charlotte included serving as President of the Board of UMAR, for whom he was a tireless fundraiser and supporter. He also was a long and proud member of The Providence Rotary Club where he served as a Board President. For a decade he mentored a boy named Jaylen at Westerly Hills Elementary. His love of music led him to The Bowdoin Glee Club, and the Choir at First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte. He was a tree lover, chaining himself and his son, Webb, to a tree in the 1970's which led to the successful preservation of the trees which line Wendover Road to this day. Later, he served on The Charlotte Tree Advisory Commission which supports the tree canopy of this city. Despite his diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2006, he continued to embrace life as Robin and he traveled the world. Jim was a long time member of The Olde Providence Racquet Club, and a recent golf enthusiast at Carolina Golf Club. He danced with The Nine O'clocks, attended Senior Scholars and pursued woodworking and photography with gusto. His love of inquiry regarding matters of conscience and faith, led him to his beloved Bible Work Bench Study Group. Anyone who knew Jim understood that behind his laughter, love of sports and fun was a serious and profound heart. Besides being with family and friends, his deepest connection to life and spirit, was the sea. He built a sunfish in High School, and thrilled to Whaling Lore during his summers spent on S'conset, Nantucket. Moby Dick remained his favorite book. He sailed at his home at North Litchfield Beach, S.C. Several years ago he fulfilled a lifelong dream to crew on The Staad Amsterdam, a clipper ship, that crossed the Atlantic the long way! He recorded the journey with photos and a narrative published in this paper. Becoming urban pioneers in 1978, Robin and Jim built their home in the 4th Ward and never left. Beginning in 1990, he spent time in Fleetwood, N.C., where he savored life and golf and the beauty of the mountains. He is survived by his loving family, Robin Oates Holt Cochran, son, Webb MacDuffie Cochran and wife, Allison, daughter, Bonnie Blackwood Cochran, adored grand-sons, W. Holt Cochran and Smith William Cochran. He is also survived by his brother, David Cochran, sister Margie Kelly Cochran, and brother-In- law, Bill Holt and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents James J. Cochran and Dorothy M. Cochran now welcome him with open arms. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to The Levine Cancer Center, Carolina's Medical Center and The Presbyterian Harris Hospice. An Evening Of Celebration will be held at his home at 229 North Church Street on Monday, April 21st, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, West Trade Street immediately followed by a Reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to UMAR, 9800 Kincey Avenue, Suite 190, Huntersville, NC, 28078, http://www.umarinfo.com/ From his favorite poem "Sailing" By Christopher Cross, "Sailing Takes Me Away To Where I've Always Heard It Could Be Just A Dream On The Wind To Carry Me, And Soon I Will Be Free." 4/21/2014 06:00 PM 08:00 PM Visitation 229 North Church St. Charlotte NC 28202 4/22/2014 02:00 PM Memorial First Presbyterian Church 200 W Trade St. Charlotte NC 28202