James Leslie Cockerham

Mr. James Leslie “Jim” Cockerham, 87, of Lowgap, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, October 26, 2025, at Surry Community Health Center by Harborview in Mount Airy. Mr. Cockerham was born October 20, 1938, in Surry County, one of seven children born to the late Lemuel and Etta Moxley Cockerham. A lifelong resident of Lowgap, Jim proudly served his country as a sergeant, explosive combat engineer, and heavy equipment operator in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and Cuban Missile Crisis. After returning home, he continued his career as a dozer operator with Hull and Johnson before becoming self-employed as Jim Cockerham Grading. He later worked for several years with Sowers Construction, whose team became life family to him – and who quite literally saved his life in 2016 when he suffered a massive stroke while working at the Mount Airy Airport. Jim loved the outdoors and spent many happy days hunting and fishing with family and friends. He is survived by a daughter, Susan Renee Cockerham; a granddaughter, Alyssa Grace-Ellen Meadows Cockerham; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are numerous “ol’ friends,” affectionately known as “The Boys,” along with employees, from Lowgap Grocery, Daddy Sam’s General Store and Café, and Oak Grove Market, who held a special place in his heart. In addition to his parents, Mr. Cockerham was preceded in death by his wife, Nora Ellen Musser Cockerham; three sisters, Zola Doby, Lola Cockerham, and Mozelle Wright; and three brothers, Rayburn Cockerham, Tommy Cockerham, and Joe Cockerham. A graveside service will be held Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Ewell Vernon officiating. At the conclusion of the service, military honors will be conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and compassion shown by the staff at Northern Regional Hospital, Surry Community Health Center by Harborview, Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, and Skull Camp Fire and Rescue. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses (Susan Renee Cockerham, P.O. Box 113, Lowgap, NC 27024); Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017; or Skull Camp Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 300, Lowgap, NC 27024.