March 29, 1932 - December 19, 2024
James R. Cox, 92, was born in Carmen, Oklahoma to Charles Henry Cox II and Corinne Dickey Scruggs Cox. He died December 19, 2024, in Enid. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jo Ann Cox Ebisch of Hooker.
James graduated from Carmen High School in 1950 and moved to Hooker, Oklahoma where he met the love of his life, Janet Stell Cox. They were married for 72 years. James graduated from University of Oklahoma with a geology degree in 1958. He worked as a geologist for Lone Star Petroleum in Abilene and Midland, Texas. After working long hours in the oil fields, James decided to return to the University of Oklahoma to attend law school. He received a juris doctorate degree in1965 and moved the family to Enid, Oklahoma where he joined the Mitchell Law Firm the same year. He became a partner in the firm with an emphasis on litigation and oil and gas law and worked there until 1981.
James opened a private practice focusing on oil and gas, as well as real estate and probate. He was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the Northern, Eastern and Western Federal Court Districts of Oklahoma and all Oklahoma courts. He was honored for 50 years of service as a member of the Oklahoma County Bar Association. For many years, James was the only lawyer regularly appearing before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to represent landowners and small oil companies.
James’ faith was foundational in his life. He was an active member of Central Christian Church for nearly 60 years and served as an elder and as Chairman of the Board several times. He also served as President of the Northwest Oklahoma Emmaus Organization, Youth Ministry Leader and he truly enjoyed taking part in the Adult Sunday School Class. He served as Exalter Ruler of Enid Elks Lodge and as State President of Oklahoma Elks Association. He was active in Oakwood Country Club and served as President in 1980. He was active in various service organizations such as AMBUCS and Horn of Plenty.
James was known as always being forthright and trustworthy and as a man of his word.
James had many hobbies and interests including golf, water skiing, snow skiing, camping, hunting and woodworking.
As evidenced by his activities above, James was dedicated to serving others and often rose to leadership positions in any organizations he was a part of. He was a dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather earning him the license plate of “#1 Pa Pa”.
James and Janet raised three children in Enid, Jamie Cox Smith and husband Joe Smith of Bixby, Oklahoma; Jerri Cox Whetstone and husband Byron Whetstone of Leawood, Kansas; and Jay Cox and wife Stephanie (McCosh) Cox of Columbus, Georgia. They lost a son shortly after his birth in 1957, James Dickey Cox. James is survived by eight grandchildren: Jordan Smith (Mary) of Tulsa, Jeff Smith (Candis) of Ft Pierce, Florida, Jenna Smith of Tulsa, Tyler Whetstone (Lindsey) of Leawood, Kansas, Peyton Whetstone Stueve (Alex) of Kansas City, Missouri, Ben Whetstone of Kansas City, Missouri, Jillian Cox Teague (Lacy) of Lewisville, Texas, and Ashley Cox of Atlanta, Georgia. Their great grandchildren include: Abigail Smith, Caitlyn Smith, Chloe Smith, Taylor Smith, Leona Keating, Quinn Whetstone, Violet Whetstone, Ivy Whetstone, Tristan Teague and Faith Teague.
Celebration of Life Service will be Monday, December 23rd at 10:00AM at Central Christian Church, 1111 W. Broadway, Enid, Oklahoma. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation held Sunday, December 22nd from 3:00PM – 4:30PM at Anderson Burris Funeral Home, 3002 North Van Buren, Enid, Oklahoma.
Memorials are encouraged through the Funeral Home to Central Christian Church.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
