"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my
name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and
honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalms‬
James A. Cobb was a loving and devoted Husband, Father, Brother, Veteran, and a man of many
honorable titles. On April 15, 2026, at his home, James transitioned to eternal life with our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born as the fifth child to Floyd and Lucy Gray Cobb on August 6, 1956, in Pinetops, North Carolina,
James dedicated his life to his family and his career. He began his educational journey in the
Edgecombe County Public School system and graduated from South Edgecombe High School in
1975.
Following high school, James enlisted in the United States Army on March 14, 1976, and honorably
served for 22 years, retiring as a First Sergeant. A valiant leader during his active duty, James was
awarded numerous decorations, medals, badges, and ribbons, including the Meritorious Service
Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Rifle Ribbon, and
the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. He also obtained his Associate's degree while serving.
After his military service, he continued his commitment to service by working as a Corrections Officer,
an ROTC Instructor, and later retired as a Construction Supervisor. A firm believer in staying active,
James was a dedicated member of Pleasant Grove AME Church. He enjoyed yard work, watching
sports, gardening, and dancing. A natural leader, family was most important to him, and he
demonstrated this every day of his life. His love was evident in the way he provided, protected, and
guided those around him.
He leaves behind his memory to be cherished by his loving wife of 45 years, Mary Baker Cobb; six
children; James Wiggins (Tonya Wiggins), Shakara Cobb of Jacksonville, Florida, La'Conya Cobb-
Cooper (Reginald Cooper) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Darrell Jones (Donna Faye Jones) of
Columbus, Georgia; Derrick Jones ( Kenasha Jones) of Phenix City, Alabama; Rodrick Jones ( Trudy
Jones) of Auburn, New York. James leaves behind six siblings; Mary Wooten (Robert Wooten) of
Tarboro, North Carolina; Gary Cobb of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Walter Cobb of Charlotte, North
Carolina; Gloria Cobb-Porter (Michael Porter) of Columbia, South Carolina; Juanita Ford (Dennis
Ford) of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; and Johnnie Cobb of Baltimore, Maryland. 13 grandchildren,
12 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
We gather in love and remembrance to celebrate a man whose life was rooted in discipline, guided by
integrity, and marked by remarkable character. His legacy will continue to live on in the lives he touched.