James “Jim” M. Cox of Brick passed away on Thursday, December 25, at the age of 97.

Jim was born on July 26, 1928, and was raised in Bayonne by Irish immigrants, Michael and Margaret Cox. He was a devout catholic and his faith was very important to him in all aspects of his life. His strong work ethic was ingrained at a young age, delivering Irish tea by bicycle and working at a local grocery store. That work ethic served him well throughout his life. He began his career in the mailroom at Exxon, attended St. Peter’s College at night, and rose through the ranks to become Commercial Manager of International Trading. After 36 years at Exxon, Jim went on to serve as President of Triad Petroleum, and later as President of Axel Johnson Petroleum Company.

While working in New York City, Jim became involved in Holmdel Township government. He served the township for 12 years (1974–1986) as Mayor and Committeeman, working diligently to preserve much of Holmdel’s Open Space. Jim was also instrumental in the building of a new town hall in Holmdel in 1980. He also served as Administrator in Holmdel, Aberdeen, and Middletown.

Jim began his family life in Little Falls before moving to Holmdel, where he resided for most of his life, then to Ocean Ridge, FL, and finally to his summer home in Brick.

Jim loved reading, playing golf (until age 92), dancing, listening to Frank Sinatra, and sitting on the deck overlooking the Metedeconk River. Most of all, he cherished time with his family and being “PopPop” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will certainly be missed for his sense of humor and memorable sayings, such as, “It’s good to be ‘The King,’” and “Keep the Faith.”

Jim was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Geraldine Cox; his children, Susan Bender and James M. Cox; and his sisters, Lorraine Cox, Marian Malek, and Dorothy Duffy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Eileen L. Cox; five children: Lorraine Griffin of Point Pleasant; Jeffrey Cox and his wife, Joyce, of Morrison, CO; Brian Cox and his wife, Hilary, of Brick; Paul Simoniello and his wife, Lily, of New York, NY; and Denise Devaney and her husband, Sean, of Manasquan; his sisters, Geraldine Campbell and Peggy Michigan; fifteen grandchildren – Anthony (wife Stacey), Jason (wife Krisol), Robert (wife Leah), Courtney (husband Charlie), Garrett (wife Andie), Preston (wife Carly), Madelyn, Lucas, Chloe, Christopher, Caroline, Lia, Michael, Ava, and Jack; ten great-grandchildren – Ellie, Hudson, Claire, Avery, Olivia, Kyler, Benji, Margot, Kaden, and Hadley; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 3, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Catharine, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel. Entombment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery and Mausoleum.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Jim’s family asks, with gratitude, that donations in his memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

The Cox family extends their deepest appreciation to the entire staff at Sunnyside Manor for the excellent and compassionate care they provided to Jim during his time there.

For messages of condolence or to share a favorite memory of Jim, please visit his tribute page at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com/obituary/james-m-cox/