James E. Cochran

James E. Cochran died on the evening of March 19, 2016. James was born on March 7, 1929 to James Monroe Cochran and Jessie Vashti (Morris) Cochran. Mr. Cochran was an entrepreneur: a gifted salesman, a reliable builder, a frequent farmer, and a community leader.  He worked earnestly, diligently and tirelessly to support his loved ones-- his siblings, spouse, and children-- yet he was open to help any in the community who asked for aide (and many who didn’t). Humble and unpretentious, James was an easy man to talk to. A keen observer of life, he could make those around him laugh out loud with his dry and unexpected wit. He was a steady and certain presence in the community. It was not unusual to see James early in the morning driving his overloaded carpet truck home from North Georgia, or perhaps found puttering down Talladega Highway atop an old tractor on his way to till a neighbor’s garden, or seen laboring diligently in the store parking lot with a fork lift and a smile. James was the oldest of seven children, including Betty (April 4, 1931-November 29, 2002), Harold, Barbara (July 16, 1936-November 14, 1989), Juanita, Charlotte, and Larry.Mr. Cochran’s early work was in Sylacauga businesses, including Sokol’s Furniture Company and Gillum Funeral Home. After a short stay at Kimberly Clark’s Coosa River plant, James launched his own businesses, predicting boldly, “I’ll be a million dollars in debt before I am 40.” He created Carpet Mart, built and managed Marble City Plaza, developed foursubdivisions, and constructed well over 50 houses in the area. He served several years on the Sylacauga Planning Commission.James is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sue Davis Cochran; his daughter, Jamie and her husband, Harry Brown; his son Morris and his wife, Candace; his son David and his wife, Mary Alice; his son, Joel and his wife, Rosemary; his son, Tommy and his wife Rebecca. His grandchildren: Jamie and Harry’s children: Harry, Cathy and her husband Paul, Adam and hiswife Vanessa. Morris and Candace’s children: Cristin , Mary Catherine and her husband, Colin;William and his wife, Katherine; Carrie Ann. David and Mary Alice’s children: David Jr. and his wife, Melanie; Brock and his wife, Nicola; Nicholas and his wife, Megan. Joel And Rosemary’s children: Kayleigh, Emily. Tommy and Rebecca’s children: Calvin, Bowen, Miller. James’ great grandchildren: Foster, Cooper, Parker, Maggie (Paul and Catherine); Hannah, Selah (Adam and Vanessa); Tre’ and Brooke (David and Melanie); Olivia (Nicholas and Megan).Funeral service for James E. Cochran, 87, will be Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sylacauga, AL with Rev. Donald Cross, Rev. James Haskins, and Dr. Todd Henderson officiating.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Sylacauga, AL.Visitation will be Wednesday, March 23, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Flowers may be accepted or donations may be made to Coosa Central School.Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneysmith.com.Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.