James G. Cox passed away Oct. 21, 2023, at the age of 80, after two years of health issues following a stroke in 2021. He was born Feb. 21, 1943, the second of five children born to Johnny Glenn and Elinor Cox in Muncie, Ind. As a child, his family lived in DeSoto, Ind., where he attended elementary school and had many fond memories. At the age of 12, his family moved to Muncie, Ind., where he attended and graduated from Muncie High School and with honors from Ball State University. Jim earned an accounting degree and his CPA certification and went to work in Chicago, Ill., at the accounting firm of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell, and Co. In 1966, Jim was drafted into the Army, and due to his accounting skills, he was assigned to the Army Finance Center in Indianapolis for his tour of duty.   

In 1972, he and another CPA started their own CPA practice in LaGrange, Ill. The following year, during a bridge card game, he met his future wife, Laurie Fuller. They were married Nov. 21, 1973. 

Jim and Laurie lived in LaGrange Park, Ill., where their two sons, John and Dan, were born. In 1979, they moved to Hayden Lake, Idaho, where their daughter, Suzanne, was born. Jim started his own tax practice. After each tax season, Jim would plan a trip to Europe. He planned 14 nonguided trips to Europe and enjoyed learning the history and culture of each country that he visited.

Jim was an active Mason and took great pride in belonging to many Masonic organizations and serving in leadership positions in most of them. His greatest Masonic accomplishment was being the secretary and personal representative of the CDA Scottish Rite for 38 years. Under his leadership, the lodge grew and prospered. Jim had a passion for collecting beer steins, rarely lost a game of Trivial Pursuit and could never pass up a good deal. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother. He is survived by one brother, Joel Cox of Gatlinburg, Tenn.; his wife of 50 years, Laurie; his sons, John Cox (Whitney) of Farmerville, La,, and Dan Cox (Katie) of Salt Lake City, Utah; his daughter, Suzanne and grandsons James and Bennett of Meridian, Idaho.  

At Jim’s request, there will be no services. A family memorial will be held at a later date. Any donations on his behalf may be made to a charity of your choice. 

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.