James Allison Cochran

March 17, 1922 - August 23, 2009

James Cochran, 87, of Youngstown, died Sunday evening at Forum Health Northside Medical Center.

Jim was born March 17, 1922 in Fairmont, WV, a son of James and Myrtle Prickett Cochran.

Music was always his big interest all his life and he played in bands both at Fairmont High School and one year at Fairmont College.

A graduate of Fairmont High School, Jim began his education programs at Ohio State University, but was interrupted during World War II when he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in France and Germany in the 89th Division Artillery under General G. Patton.

On his return home, he continued his education at Ohio State University where he joined the famous OSU Marching Band. Years later, he was a charter member of the Alumni OSU Marching Band. After graduation, he married his wife, the former Ila Emmitt, January 2, 1948 in Bowling Green and they spent their honeymoon in Youngstown where they came to reside. Jim worked for Strauss Department Store for 4 years, and then he worked in sales for H. O. Zimmer Co., and retired in 1987.

Jim was a member of the Western Reserve United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He was a member of Fairmont Lodge F&AM # 9, Fairmont, WV and the Aut Mori Grotto. He played in the Grotto Band and sang in the chorus. Jim was past Monarch and co-chairman of the Grotto Circus for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Ila; two sons, James E. Cochran and Donald and his wife, Carmella Cochran; and four grandchildren Adrian, Ed, Nicole, Mikaela Cochran.

Services will be held Thursday, 11:00 am at the Western Reserve United Methodist Church with Rev. Russell Adams officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman.

Friends will be received Wednesday from 5 - 7 pm at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home Poland and Thursday from 10:00 am until 10:45 am at the church. Sulgrave Lodge F&AM #696 will conduct a Masonic service at 7 pm.

Contributions may be made to the Western Reserve United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or to the United Methodist Women, 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

James was a member of the marching band from 1942 through 1946 and played trombonium.