James Lee Cochran

James Lee Cochran, age 72, of Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona, joined his parents, Roma B. Mercer an Eddie Shanks Cochran and his older brother Joseph Cochran in heaven on June 27, 2011. Born in Grinnell, Poweshiek County, Iowa on September 26, 1938. In 1953, Jim came to Arizona with his parents. He graduated from Chandler High School in 1955 and from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Industial Management in 1959. While Jim had multiple occupational adventures, one of his first was in the defense missile program of the 1960's. He then transitioned into the lumber business where he remained for the rest of his professional career. Locally, Jim was the general manager of both Pinetop and Show Low Lumber for more than ten years. Jim proceeded to open his own store, Contractor's Building Supply in Lakeside, wher he continued to truly enjoy the friends he made through his business. Jim spent his retirement years gardening and spoiling his two dachshunds. He was very successful in both of these endeavors. He helped the children in his care mature into kind and wise adults; both have pursued higher educations. Jim is survivied by his nephews, Bill (Diane)Cochran of Billings, Montana and David (Cheryl) Cochran of Terra Haute, Indiana; the loves of his life, Joan Valichnac of Show Low, Arizona and her children, Melinda Winchester, Virginia and Stephen of Show Low, Arizona. Jim's memory will be carried in the hearts of the many people his life touched. A celebration of Jim's life will be held in a relaxed setting at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, July 16, 2011 at Hospice Compassus, 1789 W. Commerce Drive in Lakeside, Arizona. Donations in Jim's memory may be made to the following organizations: Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601 www.alz.org. Hospice Compassus, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, AZ 85929.