William T. (Bill) Cox, 86, of St. James, Mo., passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2008, in Rolla, Mo. Bill was born in Craddock, Mo., on July 9, 1922, the son of Wayne and Beulah (Black) Cox. He grew up on the large family farm that had been in the Black and Cox family for many years. In 1934 he came to St. James with his mother, where he attended the St. James Schools. Bill graduated from St. James High School in 1941.
Bill was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Mae Krueger in 1942, and to this union one son Tom, was born. Bill was inducted into the United States Army during World War II, where he proudly served his country for 39 months. After his discharge, Bill returned to St. James and went into the plumbing, heating and electrical business.
Bill and Kathryn Cox were vital members of the St. James community. Bill served on the boards of both the St. James and Phelps County Bank for 25 years. He was also on the Board of Directors of the St. James Chamber of Commerce, the Boys Town Board and the St. James City Council. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #230 and of the Scottish Rite AF & AM of St. Louis.
Bill enjoyed playing golf when his health permitted and has held a charter membership to the St. James Golf Club since its inception. He enjoyed going to the horse races in Hot Springs, Ark., for many years, going in groups with other St. James couples, it was a tradition that he and Kathryn Mae looked forward to every year until for health reasons they stopped attending.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Virginia Harmon, and nephew Bob Harmon. Survivors include wife Kathryn Mae, of the home; son, Tom Cox and wife Pati, of St. James, Mo.; grandsons, Brandon and Derrick Cox; niece Kay Harmon, of Alton, Ill.
Funeral service for Bill Cox will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2008, in the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Gary Bartle officiating. Interment will be in the St. James Cemetery with full military honors. A visitation for family and friends will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2008, with a Masonic service at 6 p.m. Memorials are requested to the St. James Sports Club, cards are available at all James & Gahr locations.