James Earnest. Cockrell,84, of Troy, MO, passed away on March 24, 2022 at SSM- Lake St. Louis Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 2, 1937 in Troy, MO to Wheeler and Lula (Hutt)  Cockrell Sr. Jimmy was the 14 th of  15 children and they attended the local schools together. He enlisted in the U.S Army on November 18, 1955, Jimmy received a Good Conduct Medal and was selected to attend The Quartermaster School majoring in Supply Handling. He was honorably discharged on February 26, 1958 as a Stevedore. Jimmy and Dorothy "Rudy" Marie Cockrell  were blessed with six children: James, Rhonda, Wanda Lou, Michele, Carla and Kelly. Jimmy worked as a laborer for the City of Troy for 31 years and was a valued employee. He could be counted on to always be at work with a positive attitude. Jimmy was a member of Wesley United Methodist Men's Club and he helped out with all of the church activities, including fish fries and barbeques. He enjoyed playing baseball, horseshoes, playing pool, bowling and darts. Jimmy liked to play Gin Rummy ( His Rules) and corn hole. His favorite times were spent with his significant other, Brenda Miller , children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. Jimmy  was a kind , caring man who will be sadly missed and long remembered by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his beloved significant other of 31 years, Brenda Miller, children: James S. (Robin) Cockrell of Canton, MO, Rhonda (Larry Dean ) Similton of Derby, Kansas, Michele Cockrell of Wentzville, MO, Carla Green of St. Peters, MO, Kelly Cockrell of St. Charles, MO,  grandchildren: Brandon Cockrell, Travis Cockrell, Lance Cockrell, Cameron Cockrell, Larry James Similton, Adriene Engstrom, Mario Anton Shepherd, James Cockrell, Jamie Cockrell, Alicia Adams, Natalie Green, Nicole Green, Jerel Green, 25 great-grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter , Wanda Lou Cockrell  and his siblings, George Cockrell, Andrew Cockrell, Ron Cockrell, Lucille Taylor, Frances Davis, MaryBena Tallie, Georgia Diggs, Wheeler Cockrell Jr., Isaac Cockrell, Parker Cockrell, Clarence Cockrell, Howard Cockrell, Warren Cockrell and John Cockrell.

Visitation – Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 9 a.m.- 11 a.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379

Funeral – Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 11 a.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379  Rev. Dr. Henry Brewer to officiate.

Pallbearers: Thomas Mathews, Larry  Dean Similton, James Cockrell, Jamie Cockrell, Alicia Adams and  Rodney Sydnor , Jerel Green, Travis Cockrell and Lance Cockrell. Honorary pallbearers: Leroy Sydnor and Wesley United Methodist Men's Club

Interment- Troy City Cemetery Troy, MO

Memorials- Wesley United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society c/o McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379

Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook @www.mccoyblossomfh.com