James "Jim" Patrick Cox

James "Jim" Cox, 80, passed away at his Bothell home of 43 years, on February 22, 2025. 

Jim was born on October 26, 1944, at Columbus Hospital in Seattle to Hugh V. Cox and Rosemary (French) Cox. His early years were shaped by his father's career in the Navy. In the early 1950s, the family moved to U.S. Naval Station Sangley Point in the Philippines, where Jim attended elementary school. Upon the family's return to Seattle, they settled on Fremont Ave. North, where he attended Christ the King Church and School. There, Jim maintained close connections with their extended family and served as an altar boy. 

At Blanchet High School, Jim distinguished himself both academically and athletically, excelling in science, math, and Latin while running track for Blanchet. Following his 1962 graduation at age 17, he attended Seattle University for one year followed by Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington. 

In 1966, at age 21, Jim received his draft notice for the Vietnam War. He responded with characteristic determination, completing basic training and pursuing additional training as a Combat Medic. Just before his scheduled deployment to Vietnam, his orders were changed, sending him to Tokyo, Japan. There, he spent 12 months caring for severely injured American soldiers before returning home honorably in May 1968.

After his military service, Jim pursued higher education at the University of Washington before beginning his career at UPS (United Parcel Service). He built a successful 25-year career with UPS, taking early retirement in 1993. Jim loved his time at UPS, mainly due to the lifelong friendships formed. Post retirement from UPS, he continued working at the Norton Garage in downtown Seattle with the Christou family, until his full retirement in 2010. 

Jim was an avid sports fan, following Husky Football, the Mariners, Seahawks, and Supersonics. Husky football was his true favorite as he held Husky Season tickets for more than 30 years. 

He also loved to play softball and golf. Golf was his true passion and for years he could be found at Lynnwood, Snohomish, or Walter Hall Golf Courses most Sunday mornings at 7 a.m. His proudest golf moment was his hole-in-one at Walter Hall in 1987. Though he later gave up golf due to back problems, he continued to enjoy riding along in the cart and coaching his son and grandkids. His greatest joy came from watching his boys and grandkids compete in football, baseball and basketball.

Jim and his wife Denise shared a love of travel, particularly to Lake Chelan, the Washington Coast, camping in the Cascades, Idaho, and Hawaii. They made many memorable trips to Maui's Kahana Sunset, where they honeymooned in 1974 and returned multiple times throughout their marriage.

Known for his vitality, Jim remained remarkably healthy at 80, proud of his full head of hair and youthful appearance. His unexpected passing, believed to be heart-related, came as a shock to all who knew him. Jim led an amazing and honorable life. He will forever be missed. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Rosemary Cox; his wife, Denise; and his son, Jeff. He is survived by his son Ryan; brother Richard; grandchildren Corey, Chloe, Lily, Caiden, and Hudson; great-grandchildren Beckham and Brynley; nephews Jordan, Denny, Randy, and Kyle; nieces Kassie, Leslie, Kendyl, and Jeanee; sister-in-law Karen; cousins Co, Bill, Bob, and Pat, extended family members and friends; and his beloved dog Wilson.

A viewing will be held at 12:00 p.m. on March 13th at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Bothell, directly followed by Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m. Graveside service will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UW/Fred Hutch Cancer Research Centers or the ASPCA, honoring Jim's love of animals.