James Michael “Mike” Cox, 73
James Michael “Mike” Cox, a Vietnam Veteran and long-time resident of Lenox, Georgia passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022, surrounded by family. Mike was born November 30, 1948, in Cook County to Homer Judson and Myrtle Clayton Cox. After graduating from Cook County High School in 1967 Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a Private in the USMC, Mike fought in the Vietnam War. He was a part of a select group of men known as “Tunnel Rats”.
Mike obtained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded several medals and ribbons for his bravery for his conduct. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 bar, Vietnam Service Medal 1 Bronze Star, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Navy Achievement Medal w/ Valor. After returning home from the war Mike obtained his associates degree from Moultrie Tech in Welding.
In 1978 Mike started working for Union Camp in Tifton, Georgia. In 2015, Mike retired after 37 years with Union Camp.
Mike was a humble man and enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved to fish, grill, and spend time with friends and family. He was proud of his two daughters, Carla and Candace “Candy” but he was most proud of his 5 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. They were his whole world and he loved them more than anything. He taught his daughters and grandchildren to do one of his favorite things, fish. He instilled his love of grilling in his only grandson, Gavin.
He’s survived by his wife of 15 years, Patricia Tillman Cox, his two daughters, Carla (Jeff) Ugalde of Ty Ty, GA, Candace (Derron) Spikes of Chula, GA; five grandchildren, Gavin Spikes, Karmen Tovar, Madison Spikes, Callie Spikes, Olivia Spikes, and one great granddaughter, Baylor Rome; sisters, Sandra (Buddy) Rabitsch of Statesboro, Fl; brother-in-law Hines Clements of Brunswick.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Judson Cox and Myrtle (Clayton) Cox Branch, his brother Don Branch, Sr., and Marva (Branch) Clements. He also leaves behind his loyal and loving Yorkie, Caesar.
A service is to be held to honor Mike Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Purvis Funeral Home in Adel, Georgia. The family will receive friends at 3:00 p.m. and the service will begin at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider making a donation to one of the following charities.
Vietnam Veterans of America – Memorial gifts – www.vva.com
American Legion Charities – Veterans Strengthening America www.mylegion.com. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.purvisfh.com. Purvis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.