James Orr Cobb, Jr.

November 1, 2019

CHARLOTTE- James Orr (Jim) Cobb, Jr. was born on February 28, 1927 in Durham, North Carolina to Virginia Whitlock Cobb and James Orr Cobb.  He was a graduate of The McCallie School, Davidson College (BS 1950), and UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law (LLB, 1955), where he was a member Phi Alpha Delta.  He served in the US Marine Corps from 1944-1945. 

Jim practiced law for more than forty years at the same firm, now known as Ruff, Bond, Cobb, Wade & Bethune.  The firm was founded more than 100 years ago by his beloved maternal grandfather, Paul Cameron (Pop) Whitlock.  One of many highlights in Jim’s law career was handling a landmark First Amendment case before the US Supreme Court, Sherbert v. Verner.  

Jim was a leader in the bar and in the community.  He was a past president of the Mecklenburg County Bar and a permanent member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference.  Jim served as president of The Charlotte Country Club and as a Deacon, Elder, and Trustee of Myers Park Presbyterian Church.  He was a long-time member of the Piedmont Club and an active Davidson College alumnus, endowing a scholarship fund to honor his family.       

In 1949, he met the love of his life, Betty, during a fateful college trip to Ocean Drive Beach.  They married in 1952, raised four sons, and built a life together.  Jim was a devoted and loyal husband, father, and friend to the end.  Every single day, he put the well-being of his family and friends front and center in his life. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Yardley Cobb, his sister, Virginia Cobb Coupland, three sons and two daughters-in-law, James Orr Cobb III, Thomas Yardley Cobb (Barbara Duggleby Cobb), and John Howard Cobb (Kimberly Kranys Cobb), six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.   Jim is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Paul Whitlock Cobb, and a son, Paul Sherborne Cobb.   

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.  The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

The family expresses their thanks to the compassionate assistance and friendship given so freely by Chad, Aly, Sylvia, and Keisha during Jim’s final weeks, and for the outstanding medical care Jim received from Hospice.    

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church and to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region.    

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Cornita Spears

    Jim was one of my go-to people for legal counsel on work related matters. I could always depend on Jim for support and good advice. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincerest condolences to you all. Cornita "Nita" Spears

    Short URL:
  • Dr. Joe & Bette Buffington

    To Betty, Jimmy, Tommy & Jack,
    We are very sad to learn the news about Uncle Jimmy’s passing. We remember that he was such a brilliant, kind man. He was a big help to his brother Whit, Sr. In his time of need. We know how hard it is to lose a father & husband. Our prayers are with you & all your family.

    Short URL: