James Earl Cox

James Earl Cox, 80, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023, in Southlake, TX. Born in El Paso, TX, on August 10, 1943, he spent his youth largely in Pecos, TX, and Yuma, AZ. Growing up, he helped his family ranch and farm, graduating from Pecos High School in 1961. While training at Indiana University as a Russian linguist for the Air Force, he met his wife Susie. They married in 1964 and remained deeply in love for all these years. After his discharge from the Air Force, they both completed their degrees at Texas Tech University, moving to Dallas when he was offered an electrical engineering job with Texas Power & Light. He remained at that company (and its future iterations) for over 40 years as a licensed Professional Engineer and mentored many engineers and colleagues.
He was a loving husband who was steadfast, affectionate, and supportive. He and Susie brought her mother, Lois, into their home after she was widowed; she became one of his favorite people, and vice versa. He was a devoted father, offering patient help with homework; constant presence at recitals, swim meets, and ball games; unfailing support through moves, marriages, babies, and other life events; and wise counsel in challenging times. He would build a playhouse or a dollhouse or a model train set, repair a car, drive a ski boat all day long, shuttle kids to practices and parties and lessons and tournaments—anything he could do to give us a great life. Jim had that same devotion to his grandchildren, who delighted him. His love for his family was constant and unconditional.
He was a loyal friend who always had the right tool you needed and would lend it to you along with his skills in helping you fix whatever was broken. He enjoyed playing cards and dominos; fishing trips to Mexico with his father, son, and uncles for many years; and time spent at the lake or the beach with friends and family. He danced a wonderful 2-step and waltz. Traveling with Susie and their friends was a highlight of his retirement. He enjoyed meeting his friends for a meal, a drink, a chat, or just to work on a repair project. His quick wit and dry sense of humor was unmatched.
His curiosity and sharp mind made him a life-long learner. He taught himself Morse code, locksmithing, guitar, HAM radio, and a variety of other skills. He read more books than most libraries contain.
He lived out his Christian faith with his kindness, generosity, humility, service, and strong sense of ethics. He was a faithful member of St Mark’s UMC (Mesquite) and later White’s Chapel Methodist Church, supporting them faithfully with his presence, his giving, and his gifts. Over his lifetime, he served in nearly every capacity possible at church. He also followed his family’s multigenerational tradition of attending the annual Bloys Camp Meeting near Ft. Davis, TX, as a member of the Burnett Camp and serving on its board.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Hershel Cox, and his mother, Louise Ligon Cox. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susan (née Schuetz); his daughter Jamie Fox, her husband Dennis, and their children Rebecca and James of Houston; his son Steven, Steven’s wife Dalia, and their children Anabel and Carlos of Trophy Club; and his sister Carole Tisserand of Glen Rose. He also leaves behind a number of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts may be made to either White’s Chapel Methodist Church (185 S White Chapel, Southlake, TX 76092) or to the Burnett Camp at Bloys Campmeeting ( https://sites.google.com/site/burnettcamp/home ) “in memory of James Earl Cox.”