James Dudley Cochran, “Jimbo”, 69, of Newport News, VA, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
As a child, he could fix anything, especially all things electrical, and had a passion to learn how things worked. His love for Maine Coon Cats, Basset Hounds, music, sailing, the Green Bay Packers, his 35 years with Luci and making people laugh defined him. His fondness for growing roses at first seemed unlikely unless you truly knew him. After attending Virginia Tech, James became a master electrician and worked in Hampton Roads as well as the family business, Cochran Construction Company, and his own electrical business.
James is predeceased by his mother, Virginia Cochran; his father, Edward Cochran; his stepmother, Susan Cochran and his brothers, Charles and Don Cochran. He is survived by his devoted wife, Luci; his daughter, Christine Owen; his grandson, Nathan Owen; his siblings, Jonny Cochran, Debbie Cochran and her husband, Walter Jubien, and Don’s wife, Cyndee Cochran; his nieces, Virginia Baldwin and Jacqueline Cochran and nephews, Woody Patrick and Jake Cochran.
Always his own person and willing to go against the grain, Jim was unique, intelligent, and at times outrageous, but always entertaining and loving. His humor and quick wit were legendary. He loved to play – demonstrated by his fabled invention of the Photon Monster for his younger relatives. He leaves behind many loved family members, dear cousins, friends and neighbors. He fought long and hard in the last year, fueled by his love of life. Now he sails to a peaceful place, where the sun will always shine on his face and where family members and his beloved Huckleberry wait to welcome him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Warwick Yacht Club.
In lieu of flowers, please donate, in Jim’s honor, to the Peninsula SPCA.
