James Michael "Mike" Cox departed this life on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Christus Schumpert Highland in Shreveport after a brief illness. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 23, 2018, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Bossier City. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Rose-Neath Bossier Chapel. Interment will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery with Barksdale AFB Military Honors.
Born in Union, South Carolina, on September 8, 1937, Mike is survived by his wife of 56 years, Tsugiko Echizen, his younger brother, Alton Luke Cox, and his wife, Linda Cox, and his older brother's widow, Violet Cox. He is also survived by a nephew, James Robert "Bobby" Cox, three nieces, Terri Cox Shuler, Cullie Cox Raby and Christian Cox Prejean, in addition to many grand nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Rufus Clyde Cox, Sr. and Cullie Fontaine Black, his older brother, Rufus Clyde Cox, Jr. and a nephew, Rufus Clyde Cox, III.
Raised in upstate South Carolina, Mike graduated from Woodruff High School in 1955 excelling in academics and leadership. After graduation, he attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, before enlisting in the United States Air Force on September 18, 1956. During the course of his 27 year service career in his primary specialty as a Nuclear Weapons Manager, he successfully completed numerous military professional and technical training courses, including also obtaining an Associate of Arts degree from Allan Hancock Junior College in 1970 and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from LaVerne College in 1972. Mike ultimately progressed to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, and completed his service tenure while assigned to the 3097th Aviation Depot Squadron (AFLC), Barksdale Air Force Base.
His many decorations awarded include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one service star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two devices, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six oak leaf clusters.
Upon his retirement, he actively participated in the Department of Louisiana, Disabled American Veterans, having served as the 2001 Past Department Commander, and currently serving as the State VAVS Chairman and the Treasurer of the Shreveport-Bossier Chapter #30. Mike also volunteered his time to the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home and served on the VAMC Advisory Council for the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. Mike also served as a member of the Bossier Sheriff's Posse, in addition to many other civic organizations and individuals for which he so freely and willingly volunteered his time, efforts and talents.