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James B. Cochran, 86, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home in Hainesport, NJ. He was born to the late Benjamin and Charlotte Cochran on September 14, 1936. Jim was the beloved husband of the late Patricia (nee Shelley) and father to their five children James Cochran (Nora) of Eastampton, NJ, Christopher Cochran (Ina) of Langhorne, PA, Tracey Blackwell (Geoffrey) of Skaneateles, NY, Kelli Cochran of Hainesport, NJ and the late Michelle Cochran. Jim is fondly remembered as “Bimps” to his grandchildren Mollie Cochran, Emily Cochran (Alejandro Acosta), Wyatt Cochran (Sam), Ross Cochran, Calvin Blackwell, Benjamin Blackwell, Ava Blackwell, Owen West, and Leo West. 

Jim was a loving brother to sister Florence Rumpf (the late Joseph, Jr.) of Williamstown, NJ. The family wishes to thank his beloved friend, Freda Scully, for her many years of companionship, love, and support of their dad. The family also wishes to thank Jim and Carol Lewis of Panama City Beach, FL for their unconditional love, support, and friendship that spanned over 45 years.

Jim grew up in Pennsauken, NJ and graduated from Merchantville High School in 1954. He served as a reserve in the United States Army and Army National Guard of NJ from 1954-1962 as an Expert Carbine Marksman. Jim worked as a pipefitter at New York Shipyard in Camden, NJ, and General Electric in Philadelphia. He later worked as a Machinery Maintenance Specialist at Occidental Chemical in Burlington, NJ and retired as a Production Supervisor from Huntsman Chemical in Paulsboro, NJ.

Jim and Patricia raised their children in Bellmawr, NJ. He was an active member of Hope United Methodist Church in Voorhees, NJ. He volunteered in numerous capacities over the years including as an ambassador for the United Way of Burlington County and was also a member of the Garden State Corvette Club.

Jim cherished his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy in life. His smile and infectious personality lit up every room he entered and there was no doubt he was the life of the party. He loved the ocean and countless memories were made at Long Beach Island, NJ, and Panama City Beach, FL. He was an avid Philly Sports Fan and was a Phillies, Eagles and Flyers season ticket holder. He loved music and attended countless live concerts, seeing all the greatest rock bands. He also loved fast cars and attending NASCAR events. However, nothing was more fun for the grandchildren than when Bimps picked them up at school in his Corvette with the top down and the music loud. He was an avid golfer spending many days on the course and finishing at the 19th hole. His passion for life was always on display and the simplicity in which he lived was humbling.

Family and friends are invited to the viewing from 10am-12pm and Service at 12 noon, on Saturday, February 25th at Hope Church, 700 Cooper Rd., Voorhees, NJ 08043. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hope Church, Voorhees, NJ or to The Mesothelioma Fund for the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA