James J. Cox, Ed.D. was born on March 27 ^th , 1947 in Ada, Oklahoma. When Jim was 3 years old, he and his parents moved to Gallup, New Mexico where his parents taught for the Gallup- McKinley Schools. Jim grew up in Gallup. After graduating from high school, Jim earned his BA in Experimental Psychology and Southwestern Anthropology, Jim went on to earn his Masters in Counseling/School Psychology and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology at Northern Arizona University.

Jim unexpectedly passed away on October 9 ^th , 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Imogene Joy and Orville James Cox. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Maureen, his daughter, Kathleen, his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Nancy Cox, his sister-in-law, Sonja Herman, his niece, MaryAnn Herman, his niece-in-law, Connie Herman, several great nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece.

Jim was beloved not only by his family but also by many dear friends, clients, former students and mentees. As a practicing psychologist, Jim was respected and admired for his dedication, knowledge, compassion, intuitiveness and integrity. Jim's professional life over the years included participating and holding office in psychological, counseling and special needs related organizations. He previously served on the Board of Psychological Examiners as a member and as Chairman. He taught master's and doctoral level classes at NAU, ASU and the Professional School of Psychology. His school psychology work and counseling included providing services in his private practice but also to school districts in northern and central Arizona. Over the years, Jim, especially, enjoyed working with students from the Navajo, Hopi, White Mountain Apache, and Tohono O'odham nations.

In his personal life, Jim was a wonderful and much loved husband and father. He is irreplaceable. Jim loved the Blues, Arlo Guthrie concerts, Jeeps, 4 wheeling and riding his motorcycle (before his stroke). He and Maureen went on two long distance motorcycle trips to Montana/South Dakota and Kentucky/Tennessee which included riding the "Tail of the Dragon." Since his stroke, Jim and Maureen spent many hours really enjoying drives through the forests of northern Arizona. Jim's favorite take along drink was a French vanilla ice coffee.

To quote a friend, "Jim made a difference, professionally and personally."

An open house celebrating Jim's life will be held at his residence, 10011 Buckskin Ct., Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (off of Cosnino Road) on Saturday, October 20 ^th from 2 to 4 pm.