James R. Cox

James Raymond Cox, GySgt (Ret.) United States Marine Corp, 89, of Brooksby Village, formerly of Lynn, died peacefully on December 5, 2019 at Kaplan Family Hospice House after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris Mae (Jordan) Cox. Jim is survived by his daughters, Shannon P. (Cox) Scotina and her husband Daniel Scotina, Kelley A. Cox and her spouse Zhaybel Cardenas and step-son Angel, his son James B. Cox and his life partner Atsushi Matsumoto, his granddaughters Katie Scotina, Kasey (Scotina) Canto and her husband Alexander Canto, and his great granddaughter Charlotte Paige Canto, as well as several nieces and nephews and lifelong friends from Maine, Massachusetts and Florida. He is predeceased by his father William A. Cox and his mother Ruth Flynn (Bridgham) Cox, and six siblings, Claire, William, Loren, Patricia, Edward, and John.

Born in Bangor, Maine on May 24, 1930. Jim was inspired to following in his families military services. He joined the Marines at the age of 17 and served for 20 years, including a stint in Okinawa, Japan and later stationed in Boston and Lynn. The Cox family formed one of the largest families of veterans in Bangor. His father served in World War I and four of his siblings served in World War II, as well as nephews who served in Vietnam.

Jim became a popular figure around the Veterans Benefit Office in Lynn City Hall where he worked until his full retirement in 1990. He served over 21 years in municipal government with most of that time as an investigator with the Veterans Benefits Department.

Jim and Dot then headed to sunny Cape Coral, FL to build a beautiful new home where they could have family and friends visit. They especially enjoyed having their grandchildren visit having fun in the pool or at the beach. He was a member of Post #90 American Legion and Elks Lodge #2596 in Cape Coral. He provided social service assistance at the Lake Kennedy Senior Center. He was also a member of the Retired State County and Municipal Employee Association.

He moved back north to Brooksby Village in 2005 and took this opportunity to create a beautiful vegetable garden during the summer months. He was most proud of his prized tomatoes and basil plants which he gladly shared with family and friends. In more recent times, he fell in love with his new great granddaughter and spent lots of time ordering books and toys for Charlotte. We are grateful for all that you have given us, you will be missed. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Visiting hours will be held in the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home 157 Maple Street, Lynn on Monday, December 9th from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. His funeral will follow at with a Funeral Mass celebrated at 11:00 AM in St. Pius V Church, 215 Maple St., Lynn. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to a charity of your choice.