James "Jimmie" Fredrick Cochran, 81, of Ney, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2014 at Brookview Healthcare Center, Defiance, Ohio.

He was born on March 2, 1933 to Bert Hill and Margaret (Fowler) Cochran in Palestine, IL. On December 24, 1954 he married Patricia (Kreischer) Cochran, who passed away on January 4, 2004.

James was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Defiance. He was a former member of the American Legion and VFW Post #3360. James served in the US Navy during the Korean War, and received a Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal from the Department of National Defense. James worked at the General Telephone Company in Bryan, where he retired after 30 years. He also worked at Sherwood Mutual Telephone Company for 10 years, and became an owner/operator/truck driver with Central Transport. James was a volunteer fire fighter for Ney/Washington Township, and also volunteered as security for the Defiance Sheriff's Department. He was a founding member of the Maumee Valley Car Club, where he helped build one of the winning dragsters in the Glass City Speedway.

James is survived by his sons, Michael Allen (Lynn) Cochran of Ney, and Rodney Wayne Cochran of Columbus, sister, Sue Cochran of Omaha, NE, brother, Rex (Kate) Cochran of Mason, OH, and long time companion, Ardith Wilson of Ayersville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Margaret Cochran, and his wife, Patricia L. Cochran.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, and for one hour prior to services at Zion Lutheran Church, Defiance, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 19, 2014, with Pastor Tim Reynolds officiating. Burial will take place at Independence Cemetery with Military Honors being accorded by VFW Post 3360.

The family suggests memorials be directed to Zion Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.