Obituary - James William 'Jimmy' Cochran

James William “Jimmy” Cochran was born on August 7, 1935 at Hays, Montana. He walked into the arms of Jesus on November 19, 2024 in Chinook, Montana, surrounded by loving cousin/sisters and caring staff of the Sweet Memorial Home.

Jimmy lived in Hays with his parents, Katherine Fox and William Cochran. Later he lived with his grandparents Belknap and Rebecca Fox in Cleveland, MT. After time spent with his grandparents, he lived with his Uncle Quentin and family.

Jimmy went to the state home for challenged youth in his younger years where he grew into adulthood and learned life skills. He then lived with two of his brothers, Leon and Grant, at different times. He moved into an assisted living facility. He attended school in Bozeman for the blind learning skills for the blind over a span of five years. As his eyesight decreased even more he then moved into group homes in Harlem and Malta. Because of his decline in health, he moved to the Sweet Memorial Home for the remainder of his life.

In spite of his many challenges, he remained content and happy. Jimmy was a fun loving character and friend to all he met. He loved to tease and joke around during visits with family and friends. When he was teased back he had the most hearty laugh that it would cause a good laugh from everyone around. When family would visit he was excited and proud to show his room and his photos and things he liked in his room. He would call family from time to time and when he got bored talking to us, he would give the phone to a staff member and tell them we wanted to talk to them.

He loved to attend the local powwows and dance in his regalia made by his cousin/sister Mary Agnes. He always made sure she kept it repaired and ready to go. He danced until he was no longer able to. He had cherished memories of his elders and he often told stories of his crazy antics in his boyhood.

He became close to staff over the years in the group homes. He knew all the family members including the children on both sides of his family and would ask about each one. He was a joy to be around. He was our precious and cherished brother, cousin, uncle, grandpa and friend here on earth.

Preceding Jimmy were his parents, Katherine and Willie; his paternal grandparents, Edith Nicholson and James Cochran; maternal grandparents, George Fox Sr. and Mary Agnes Umstot Fox; brothers Sherman, Tommy, Billy, Leon, and Grant Cochran and a sister, Winona.

Survivors include a sister, Pearl Cochran and his Fox and Cochran cousins and their families including many nieces and nephews. He loved his family immensely on both sides. He remained in close contact and was considered a big brother to his Uncle Quentin Fox’s children.

We apologize if any loved ones were missed in this remembrance. We will all miss our Jimmy but happy he is with Jesus and his beloved mother and father.