James Jefferson Cobb

James Jefferson Cobb passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, after battling mantle cell lymphoma.

Jeff was born in Corpus Christi on January 13, 1954, and grew up in El Paso, Texas where he attended Mesita Elementary School, Coronado High School, and the University of Texas at El Paso. His love of music began at Mesita Elementary, where he learned to play the violin and drums. His cousin, Travis, taught him how to play the guitar beginning a lifelong passion. While at UTEP, Jeff played classical guitar and played electric guitar with local band. Jeff had an excellent ear for music. He always had a guitar nearby to pick up and play songs or just to strum. Jeff had an excellent ear for music.

Jeff had extensive experience driving cars, planes, and motorcycles. Jeff began driving a car before the licensed age so he could work a newspaper route in the Mission Hills neighborhood of El Paso. Likewise, his father, Pinki, shared his passion for engines and cars. Together, they took apart and rebuilt their Chevrolet Corvair’s engine. Pinki also shared his passion for flying airplanes with Jeff, who took flying lessons. As Jeff recalled, he was a good flight student. Jeff also enjoyed riding motorcycles especially his custom 650 Honda.

Jeff’s other hobbies involved sports. Jeff participated in Amateur Athletic Union swim events where he competed in the breaststroke and swam on relay teams. Additionally, he was a lifeguard, taught swimming lessons, and managed a neighborhood swimming pool. In high school, Jeff lettered in tennis and while in college, he worked at the El Paso Tennis Club. Jeff enjoyed football and basketball - but basketball was his favorite sport. He played weekend basketball with his friends and later coached recreational basketball teams. As an adult, Jeff enjoyed golf with friends and even played tournaments and on teams with his work buddies. Jeff also enjoyed participating in his children’s many and varied sports, scouts, and other school activities until they went to college.

Jeff had a long technology career starting with Western Union and ending with retiring from American Airlines. An IT career suited him well with a passion for building and rebuilding hard drives and computers, maintaining and installing networks, trouble shooting, and problem solving. Always an early technology adopter, Jeff loved gadgets like Alexa and security cameras.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, affectionately known as Pud and Pinki Cobb; his two older sisters, Candy Richards and Becky Harrod. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marsha; his daughter Clara; and his son Trevor, daughter-in law, Suzanne; and his precious grandsons Ryder and Martin. Also survived by his loving sister Julie Cobb-Cooper; his niece Wendy Holt and nephew Rick Harrod; and brothers-in-law , Michael and David Martin as well as other relatives. Additionally, Jeff leaves behind wonderful lifelong friends. He appreciated all the love, support, and prayers throughout his battle with cancer.

A family memorial will be held at a future time. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.