Mr. James Vance Cockerham, 87, passed away, October 22, 2017, at Chatham Nursing and Rehab Center after an extended illness. He was born in Elkin, NC April 6, 1930 to the late Luther and Laura Layne Cockerham.
Jim attended Elkin City Schools, Pfeiffer College and was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a retired principal with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, having served as principal at Northwest School, Sedgefield School and McClintock School. He was a member of Elkin First United Methodist Church and the Yadkin Valley Sons of the American Revolution.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his first wife Peggy Ann Logan Cockerham, brothers Reece Cockerham (Frances), Fred Cockerham (Mary Ruth), Tom Cockerham (Clairene), his twin brother John Cockerham (Nancy) and sisters, Roette C. Peeples, Lucile C. Golden (Howard), and Ola Jean C. Prevette (Roy).
Jim is survived by his wife, Louise Laxton James Cockerham, his children James V. Cockerham, II (Marie), Laura Elaine Cockerham Heid (Rick), Joseph Thomas Cockerham (Jennifer), step-children Thomas Laxton James (Ellen) and Ann James Brito (Juan), grandchildren Stephanie Rebecca Cockerham Hubbard (Clint), Elizabeth Lee Cockerham Deviney (Nathan), James V. Cockerham, III (Emily), Louis Fredrick Heid, Tiffany Anne Heid Harrell (Jason) Jake Luther Cockerham , Logan Henry Cockerham, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Crestwood Memorial Gardens, 914 US 21, State Road, NC at 10:00 A.M,. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 with a memorial service to follow in the Chapel of First United Methodist Church, 340 Hawthorne Rd., Elkin, NC. By Rev. Michael Shuford The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
The family would like to thank Chatham Nursing and Rehab Center and Yadkin Valley Hospice for the loving care and support given to Jim.
The family suggests that any memorials be sent to the Jim and Louise Laxton Cockerham Educational Scholarship, c/o Marian Venable Surry Community College, Dobson, NC 27017 or to the Alzheimer's Association,3800 Shamrock Dr. Charlotte, NC 28215, or Yadkin Valley Hospice, 688 N. Bridge St. Elkin, NC 28621
Online condolences may be made at jkennedyfsl.com
John Kennedy, funeral director is assisting the Cockerham family with funeral arrangements.