James Allen Cockrell, 67, of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018, at his residence.

 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 19, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating. Interment will follow at Sholar Cemetery in Joaquin.

 

Mr. Cockrell was born December 7, 1950, in Mansfield, Louisiana, to James Horace Cockrell and Jo Dell Edburg Cockrell.  He graduated from Joaquin High School in 1969.  Mr. Cockrell later purchased Toledo Motor Supply in Logansport, Louisiana, where he was the owner and operator for twenty nine years.  His hobbies included high school sports and vintage automobiles.  He was a huge Longhorn fan.  His family often referred to him as “Jack of all trades, master of most”.  There wasn’t much he couldn’t accomplish. A couple of his major accomplishments were serving twenty years on the Joaquin ISD School Board and also serving several years on the Shelby County Appraisal Board.  Above all, his family was the most important part of his life.  All moments spent with them were treasured moments.  Mr. Cockrell was a member of Truitt Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

 

He is survived by

Children:

James Derek Cockrell and wife, Carly, of Tenaha

Wendy Gurley and husband, Adam, of Logansport, Louisiana

 

Grandchildren:

CPL James Grafton and wife, Sarah, of California

Amy Grafton of Bossier City, Louisiana

Dalton Grafton of Bossier City, Louisiana

Jace Gurley of Logansport, Louisiana

 

Great Grandson: Miles Grafton of California

 

Brothers:

Joe Cockrell and wife, Karen, of Grayson, Louisiana

John Cockrell and wife, Karen, of Prosper

Jay Dee Cockrell and wife, Selisha, of Joaquin

 

Uncle and Aunt: Jerry and Margret Cockrell of Joaquin

 

Numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends

 

Preceded in death by

Parents: James Horace Cockrell and Jo Dell Edburg Cockrell

Son-in-law: James Michael Grafton

Sister-in-law: Cynthia Cockrell

 

Pallbearers will be Rodney Dean, Phil Worsham, Robbie Woodfin, Kenny Weeks, Roy Cheatwood and Randy Bonner.  Honorary pallbearers will be Neal McFadden and Larry Kay. 

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sholar Cemetery, c/o Jay Cockrell, 8334 Highway 84 East, Joaquin, Texas 75954.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com