Dear Jim Cockerill family - James and the Abbott Jazz Band played at my daughter's wedding in 2005 and their playing just made her wedding perfect!  Just a very sweet memory for me and Jim was such a great guy!  I'm sorry for whatever reason I just heard.  So very sad to learn of his passing. :(

So sorry for your family's loss- Jim was a talented musician who would donate his time for our Catholic Charities Golf outing each year- He had a generous heart and spirit and he will be missed- Mary Ellen Mason

Merry, you have my deepest sympathies. Jim will never leave my memories. He brought a smile to everyone's face.

Merry, so sorry to hear about Jim's sudden passing. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

To my cousins Jan, John and Julie, from your cousin, Sally (Lamp) Trimpe--so many memories flood back in this time of sorrow.  I remember when we were kids and would meet at Grandpa and Grandma Lamp's house on Sundays for a big dinner at noon.  We all enjoyed running around the farm and just being kids.  My dad, Russell (Jim) got the biggest kick out of Jimmy.  One time when you visited, dad was shucking some corn, pulling down the corn husks to see how big the kernels were and if the corn was ready to be harvested.  Jimmy said to my dad, "Why are you taking the covers off?"  Everybody roared!  That story has stuck with me for over 50 years.  I remember Jimmy always had an ornery little smile and was always happy.  Then we all grew up and went our separate ways losing touch like people do.  We are so sorry for your loss. You and your families are in our prayers.

My sincere condolences to his family.God Bless all you family. Teresita Campos (México)

We're so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. It was a pleasure to see the pictures. Love how he always had a smile on his face.

Your neighbors, Gary and Cheryl Hutter

Our sincere condolences to the Cockerill family on the loss of your brother. God Bless,  Paul & Kristi Manley

Jimmy stood up at my wedding and we spoke weekly or more for the past 21 years. He was a great listener and the most conscientious friend I have ever had. He could never believe the good fortune that he had to marry a woman as wonderful as Merry. He loved his grandchildren and spoke of them constantly. The world is a better place for having had someone like him to brighten it and his loss will leave a hole in many lives.

All my family's thoughts and prayers go out to Merry and the Cockerill family.

Jon and Helen Kratochvil

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing.  It was a pleasure to work with Jim.  You are all in my prayers.

Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time.

I've known Jim since the mid 1970's from Rock Island, IL. . He was always happy go lucky and always had a funny joke for any occasion. I always had great respect for Jim and I am sorry to hear of his unexpected passing.  Rest in peace JIm.

Jan,  We are so sorry for your loss of your brother.  May you take comfort in knowing you are just a prayer away from Jim.  Know Brion & I are holding you and your family close in our prayers.  Blessings, Patty & Brion Eckert

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I will keep your family in my prayers.

My wife Mary and I extend our prayers to Merry and the family. I've attached a couple of photos of Jim showing his musical side. One is the original corporate Abbott Jazz Band. The other is Jim playing an outdoor gig w/ his grandson, Henry..Jim's music will live on through Henry and through the musicians he played with. Play on, Jim...

i am very sad to say the least that jim is gone.  he and I were close thru junior high and high school.  humor was the main attachment and he had plenty of it.  to say that he wasn't a bit of a goofball while being a great musician would be an understatement.  I wish that I could have been there for visitation but I am not able to weather the Chicago freeways these days.  again, it is a horrible thing to happen when you were just communicating on facebook a couple of days earlier and then POW.

So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was such a smart man, loved to stand on his soap box, great trombone player, loved music, loved his family. I met Jim in 1984 when he was aspiring chemist in Vision. Those were the days. Jim was the life of the party...even back then. Will miss him. Regret that I did not spend more time with him and Merry over the past many years. May God bless your family with comfort.

OBITUARY

James Joseph Cockerill

19 June, 1959 – 14 May, 2016

Marsh Funeral Home

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