James Allen Cobb

Dear Family and Friends. It is with great sadness that I report the death of my father, James Allen Cobb (23 August, 1933 - 6 July, 2025). Dad went quietly in his sleep at Steadman Hill Assisted Living in Kingsport, TN at the ripe old age of 91.

Dad's life was all about faith, family, music, and just having a good time. In fact, I've never said this to anyone before ... but I noticed 10 or more years ago that his favorite word always seemed to be "ENJOY". He said it all the time. He loved and 'enjoyed' life to the fullest, which played a great part in fueling what most would say was an incredible sense of humor.

As a professional musician, Dad had the opportunity to open for Bob Hope and Red Skelton. He performed with Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus, as well as Holliday on Ice. He also did significant work for Disney when we lived in Florida. He inspired me and my brother James to love music, which we both still enjoy (there's that word again) to this day. Dad always said ... "Play music because you love it, NOT because you have to"!, so James and I majored in Engineering and Computers, but we still play when opportunities present themselves. He taught many students over the years from the 1960s into the 2000s. It always amazed me how many of those students he remembered. He loved teaching music to anyone that wanted to learn, mainly kids.

Dad's only wife is our mother, Mary Elizabeth Martin Cobb (2 October, 1930 - 11 April, 1982). Mom and Dad, soulmates and best friends, raised James and me to love the lord, love each other, and to be kind and show respect for others. We were blessed to have such good, thoughtful, loving parents.

Dad was alone and living in Mississippi 14 years ago when an opportunity to move him close to us presented itself. We were blessed to be able to move him 500+ miles 4 July, 2011. He has lived across the street since then. Donna (my wife) and James and I helped Dad through the rest of his life. He was blessed to be able to remain "Semi-Independent" until recently.

Just under five weeks ago, Dad exhibited sudden significant cognitive and physical decline. From the emergency room to a hospital, to "skilled rehab", to assisted living, Dad was well cared for and was kept as comfortable as possible by many incredibly gifted medical professionals and administrators. God bless them all.

There will be no service or funeral. Dad's remains will eventually be buried with mom.

If anyone feels compelled to honor Dad in some way, please do so in the form of a contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (a favorite charity of this family). I found out only yesterday that Dad played in the band for the ribbon cutting ceremony at St. Jude in Memphis. I'm still learning things about this guy's incredible life.

We will always respect, love and appreciate the impact your existence, provision, and leadership has had on us, Dad. You will be missed. Please give mom a hug and a kiss for us!