James Douglas Cochran's Obituary
James D. “Buddy” Cochran was born July 12, 1942, in Longview, Texas, to Virley Eupora and W.W. Cochran Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Lynn Pruitt Cochran; Their love was a testimony to marriage. Other family members include Jimmy and Kim Cochran and Hunter Cochran, Jared and Candace (Cochran) Bordan, Matt and Sandy Cochran and Marcus Cochran, Karlie Cochran, Jessica (Cochran) Clinton, Cash Cochran, Nathan and Jennifer (Cochran) Barksdale and Jaeley Barksdale and Arley Barksdale, Denny and Jaime (Cochran) Pilcher and Judson Pilcher, Jaici Pilcher, Jake Pilcher, and Jarom Pilcher, (Brother) Bill Cochran, Doyal Gipe, Gregg and Roxanne Gipe, Lacye (Gipe) and Michael Russell, Hailea (Gipe) and Richard Whitlock, Lynnette Martin, and many great grandchildren.
Buddy was a Lobo through and through and played Varsity football for three years. He graduated from Longview High School in 1960 and then attended Kilgore College. He made a career out of working at Texas Eastman Chemical Company, retiring in 2000.
Buddy and Martha Lynn faithfully attended the First Christian Church of Longview, Texas, where he served as Deacon. He also served diligently on the Property Committee, using his various talents to help maintain the physical plant of the church.
Buddy filled his retirement years helping other people. He served on the board of the Robert Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Fund for 12 years as well as serving on the board of Robert Sullivan Memorial Golf Tournament. As a tribute to his special classmates and friends, Buddy worked many hours on Longview Christian School’s new baseball field, the Coley-Malone Field. He was also instrumental in obtaining donations for both the field and necessary baseball equipment. Buddy was always quick to help any person in any way he could. He seemed to know how to do everything.
Buddy also enjoyed tending to his farm and animals. The home he and Martha Lynn created seemed like a retreat to any who visited. He especially enjoyed playing with his grandchildren.
Buddy is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Cherry Thompson.
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