James H. Cox

James H. Cox, age 87, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, at Goshen Hospital.  James, also know as Jim, was born on November 25, 1935 in Essex, Missouri to Azro and Maude Cox.  On January 29, 1956, he married the love of his life, Wilma Ann Crutcher.  Together they moved to Syracuse, IN in 1963 where they raised their four children and celebrated more than sixty years of marriage.  Jim loved spending time with his family and had a profound faith. 

Jim graduated from Essex High School in 1953 and Purdue University in 1957.  He started his career as a poultry consultant, working at Central Soya Company for 28 years before starting his own business, at the age of 50, as the owner and operator of Agristats in Fort Wayne.  He was world-renowned for his expertise in agriculture and dedicated twenty-three years to building and leading this successful business.  

In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing especially whenever his children or grandchildren were involved. His duck blind breakfasts will long be remembered.  He loved being outdoors on Lake Wawasee.  He and Wilma lived at the Spinks for over two decades.   They also enjoyed spending winters in their condo on the beach at Fort Myers.  He loved old western cowboy shows and was an avid reader of Louis L’amour’s novels; he became an author himself while in retirement, penning 14 Christian, Western Fiction novels, carried by Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Jim loved to travel.  Each summer, he and Wilma would take a group of their grandchildren on a 2 week vacation. They traveled to dude ranches, the beach, the mountains, Wisconsin Dells and California. The grandchildren will forever remember these special times spent with Grandad and Granmama.   Jim was a true disciple of his Christian faith.  He always helped those in need and supported many organizations in the Wawasee community. He also always loved the Purdue Boilermakers!  Jim was truly one of a kind. He lived for his family and left behind a legacy that will continue on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. 

Jim is survived by three daughters – Jenny (Mark) Smith of Granger, IN, Mary Jane (Mike) Brannock of Syracuse, IN, Sara (Ron) Schwartz of Fort Wayne, IN; one son – Brad (Karen) Cox of Syracuse, IN; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends.

He will be joining his wife, Wilma Ann Cox, along with his father, Azro Cox, mother Maude Cox, sisters Sina Lu Kaiser, Ruth Ann Emery, Imogene Andrews, and brother John Cox who preceded him in death. 

Titus Funeral Home – Owen Chapel of Syracuse is entrusted with the care of James Cox.  A visitation will be held on May 19^th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Wawasee Lakeside Chapel located at 10419 N Turkey Creek Rd, Syracuse, IN  46567.  A Life Celebration service will follow starting at 3:00 PM, also at Wawasee Lakeside Chapel with Pastor Brad Cox officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Wawasee Lakeside Chapel or Rose Garden Recovery Community in Syracuse. 

To leave a condolence or send flowers, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com.