James “Jimmy” Alexander Cox, 90, of Chesterfield, MO, formerly of Belleville, IL, born Tuesday, October 31, 1933, in Gratz, KY, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Friendship Village Chesterfield.
Jimmy was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend. He was the Dean of the Business Department for South Western Illinois College (SWIC) formerly Belleville Area College (BAC). Jimmy was a longstanding member of St. Matthew Church in Belleville IL, and a Volunteer for over 30 years for the Salvation Army in Belleville, IL; and loved UK Basketball. He will be greatly missed by so many.
Preceded in death by his:
- Parents, Vernon and Clara
- Siblings:
- Vaidan Cox
- Dorothy Oney
- Elizabeth Smith
Surviving are his:
- Wife of 66 years, Betty Jo Fightmaster Cox of Chesterfield, MO
- Sons:
- Stephen (Felicia) Cox of Chesterfield, MO
- Troy (Adeo Alday) Cox of Miami Beach, FL
- Brother, Charles (Marna) Cox of Hummelstown, PA
- Sister, Lavern Howard of Elizabethtown, KY
- Grandchildren:
- Adam Cox (Fiancée, Anastasia)
- Emily Cox
- Alison (Kyle) Brunner
- Tyler Meyer
- Carter (Jessica) Meyer
- Apollo Alday
- Adara Alday
- Great Grandson, Murray Brunner
- Many other loving nieces, nephews and cousins
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army of Belleville or St. Matthew Church of Belleville, IL.
Visitation: Visitation from 9:30am – 11:00 am on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Services: Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Kurrus Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug Stewart officiating. Private family burial at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville, IL.
17 Comments To "James “Jimmy” Alexander Cox"
#1 Comment By Paul & Almeda Walker On January 25, 2024 @ 6:18 pm
We will remember Jimmy coming to the Gideon meeting at Country Buffet and trying to get dessert first if Betty Jo didn’t catch him. He was a wonderful, kind-hearted person.
#2 Comment By Keith and Karen Breithaupt On January 25, 2024 @ 7:06 pm
We are so sorry Betty Jo and your family. Jim will be remembered as the most kind gentleman with the great sense of humor, as when we met him many years ago. We know it has been such a long difficult struggle for him in recent years. Bless you all with great memories of Jim
#3 Comment By Sue Neeley On January 25, 2024 @ 7:33 pm
It has been an absolute honor to know Jimmy Cox.
#4 Comment By Merle On January 25, 2024 @ 7:49 pm
Never met a finer couple than Jimmy and Betty Jo Cox. Blessed to have known them as friends. Will miss you sweet Jimmy, but will be looking forward to meeting you again in heaven God bless Betty Jo and the sons and their families as they bid farewell to a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. For only awhile.
#5 Comment By Kathyrn Todd On January 25, 2024 @ 9:50 pm
How much I enjoyed the Wednesday night classes with Jim and Betty Jo. They were always interesting and informative. So sorry for Betty and their sons. My prayers and sympathy go out to them.
#6 Comment By Jeffrey Uhl On January 26, 2024 @ 7:50 am
Linda and I have such fond memories of our years in the Friday evening share group in which Jim and Betty Jo played such prominent roles. Jimmy was a wonderful discussion leader. He was so kind and had a great sense of humor. Betty Jo and family, we pray that your sweet memories and abiding faith will sustain you during these difficult days.
God bless,
Jeff and Linda Uhl
#7 Comment By Bonnie Runner On January 26, 2024 @ 10:12 am
Betty Jo, I have missed you the last few years that you have been away from Saint Matt but think of you often I remember fondly the Bible study groups that we had and all that we enjoyed doing that with you guys. I hope Jimmy runs in to Dave quickly because Dave liked him so very much also. God bless you and your family. Take care my dear.
#8 Comment By Dana Stauder On January 26, 2024 @ 11:19 am
Jim Cox was an amazing husband and father. His boys looked up to him! He and Betty Jo did so much for our church and youth group! Jim had a great sense humor and an extra special way of making a person feel loved! He will be so missed.
#9 Comment By Michael and Nancy Dohm On January 26, 2024 @ 11:54 am
Dear Betty,
So, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
You and Jim were the best neighbors we could have ever asked or wished for.
We remember Jim riding on the tractor singing “Home on the Range”. That memory always gives us a little chuckle.
Sweet Betty, May God comfort your grieving heart.
Love,
Mike and Nancy Dohm
Covered Bridge was never the same for us after you and Jim left.
#10 Comment By Ruth Anglin On January 26, 2024 @ 9:09 pm
Such fond memories of Jim at St. Matthew Church. We have missed you since you moved away. Love and prayers to you, Betty Jo, and your family.
Love, Ruthie & Eddie Anglin
#11 Comment By Josie Blankenship On January 27, 2024 @ 2:32 am
Betty Jo, Stephen and Troy.
I have so so many fond memories of Jimmy from St Mathew. He was a wonderful man . Had a great sense of humor and could tell a story like no other. Our Friday night share groups and Sunday School class hold a special place in my heart. Clyde is up there waiting for you anxious to hear a Jimmy Cox story. My love and sympathy to our sweet and lovely Betty Jo
Josie Blankenship
#12 Comment By Patti A. Brown On January 27, 2024 @ 12:19 pm
Betty Jo,
Jimmy was the sweetest man and you were a very sweet couple. When we all get to heaven what
a day of rejoicing that be.
Patti A. Brown
#13 Comment By Bill and Bonnie Dickinson On January 28, 2024 @ 7:24 pm
What a joy and delight to have Jimmy and Betty Jo as neighbors not once but twice. Jimmy was always sharing his many childhood stories and with Betty Jo saying after one of Jimmys stories…..oh Jimmy…. Seems we became even closer when you all moved to the villas close to us not even knowing we again were to be neighbors. We cherished Jimmy so much as a friend that we put one of his many sayings on a sign outside the tearoom ,” WE ARE TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED”, says Jimmy Cox. There is no doubt Jimmy has heard the Lord say to him , Well done good and faithful servant, Enter the Joys of the Lord. Thank you Jimmy and Betty Jo for being such great examples for all of us that with the adversity you all have been carrying for some time, that you both had such a peace and contentment in your heart!
#14 Comment By Jane Yount Maskalick On January 30, 2024 @ 11:28 am
Betty Jo, I am sorry for your loss. Knowing Jim from high school days, meeting you at UK, introducing the two of you and being in your wedding, somehow, we managed to keep in contact all these years. I always appreciate that Jim called me by my full name. I am thinking of you and sending my love. Jane Allen
#15 Comment By Lou Rose On February 6, 2024 @ 1:42 pm
A fine gentleman & fellow Kentucky friend..
They broke the mold when Jimmy was born.
My sympathies to Betty Jo & family!
#16 Comment By Janet Baechle On March 5, 2024 @ 9:41 am
Betty Jo and family. I am so sorry to see that Jimmy passed away. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word.
Your memories will give you comfort, until you are together again. May God bless you.
#17 Comment By Lynn Schwoebel On March 5, 2024 @ 9:52 am
Dear Betty Jo and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of dear Jimmy. What a kind and wonderful man! I will always remember his amazing smile that lit up the room, the twinkle in his eyes, and his wonderful laugh!
May you feel God’s loving arms wrapped around you, holding you close, and filling you with His peace in the days ahead. And remember, this is not goodbye, but only until we meet again.