James Manuel Cockrell, age 59 of Tipp City, passed away Friday, October 9, 2015 in his residence surrounded by his family. He was born in Hazard, Kentucky on September 21, 1956 the son of Moody & Nannie Mae (Childress) Cockrell. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Northridge. He worked for many years as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic for several area construction companies. He loved NASCAR especially Dale Earnhardt, and he loved to watch old westerns and his Kentucky Wildcats. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years Peggy (Newman) Cockrell, daughters Belinda (Mathew) Roop and Kathleen “Sis” Malone, 3 grandchildren Kaitlyn Roop, Caleb Cockrell, and Chloe Malone, 6 brothers and sisters Howard Cockrell, Barton Cockrell, Margaret Cruea, Gwinna Grigsby, Geneva White and Lois Ann Estep, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers and sisters Lloyd, Joe, Melvin, and Clyde Cockrell, Thelma Petzke, and Leona White, and his very special friend Marcus Short.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the BLESSING-ZERKLE FUNERAL HOME, 11900 N. Dixie Dr. Tipp City. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Walter Tolley officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Memorial Gardens, Tipp City. In Lieu of Flowers memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to Crossroads Hospice, 8069 Washington Village Dr., Dayton, Ohio 45458. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blessingfh.com.