July 30, 1940 - November 23, 2011 |
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James “Jim” John Cochran passed away at the age of 71 on November 23, 2011 in Valencia, California, having beaten the odds and surviving nearly 10 years after a double-lung transplant. Jim was born in Washington D.C. to parents Paul and Zoe Cochran. The family later moved to Indiana, then Michigan, and ultimately settled in Culver City, California where Jim and brother, Tom, attended Venice High School. Jim went on to attend Santa Monica City College and graduated from UCLA with a History major in 1963, which solidified his place as a die-hard Bruin fan and eventually earned him the title of President of his fraternity house, Sigma Pi. He held season tickets to UCLA sporting events, his favorites being basketball and football, and even had the opportunity to meet legendary coach, John Wooden, who served as an inspiration to Jim and defined the term “leadership” for him. Jim honed his own leadership skills as an insurance salesman for the State of California where he became their top salesperson, and by joining Toastmaster International where he was introduced to his next career opportunity: being a fundraising representative for World’s Finest Chocolate. That opportunity turned into a 40-year-long career that saw Jim helping to raise money for schools, sports groups, churches and charities in need of funds, and earned him the title “The Candyman” as he was affectionately known by all. Jim remained one of the top salespeople for the company until his retirement in 2006, and earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious WFC Lifetime Achievement Award. He was the epitome of hard work, determination, integrity, courage, perseverance, and positivity, and had an immense impact on the lives of many. When he wasn’t working, Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife, Sharon; playing golf with his brother, Tom; running model trains with fellow club members at the Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park; assembling care packages for the Any Soldier program at his church; building battlefield dioramas with his grandchildren; collecting toy soldiers; spending time with friends and family; and generally enjoying his retirement to the extent that his body allowed him. And even though the physical frailty of his later years prevented him for doing many of the things he wanted, Jim always maintained a positive attitude and was quick to draw a smile. His kind, selfless spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him, and the memories he created for people will live on in their hearts forever. Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sharon, who stood by him every step of the way through their 30 year marriage; by his brother Tom Cochran and sister-in-law Donna Cochran; by daughter Kelly Ryken and son-in-law Dale Ryken; by son Scott Forbes and daughter-in-law Kimberly Ball; by grandsons Curtis, Stephen and Ryan Ryken; and by a list of people too long to mention who truly loved Jim and were like family to him. We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of this remarkable man on Saturday, December 10 at 3 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Valencia. The memorial service is scheduled to last approximately 30 minutes and will be followed by a reception at the adjoining fellowship hall featuring family, friends, food, and even a little fun. Here is the church information: Christ Lutheran Church
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tax-deductible donation in Jim's memory to UCLA for lung transplant research. Checks should be made payable to “UC Regents” and mailed to: Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center It was through the generosity of a complete stranger that we were able to have Jim with us for an additional 9 years, 9 months and 10 days, so we would ask that you also consider, if you feel moved, updating your driver's license to include organ donation so other great people may be given the same life-extending opportunity that Jim was.
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