James Pedin Cox, Jr., 88, a longtime resident of Alexandria, died on Feb. 25, at Inova Alexandria Hospital after a brief illness. He was a native of Smithfield, Va., and a graduate of Smithfield High School and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Cox was a resident of Richmond prior to moving to Alexandria in 1966.
Mr. Cox served in the U.S. Army during World War II, 1941-1946, and saw overseas duty in England, North Africa, and Italy, 1942-1945. He remained active in the Army Reserves until retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1978.
Mr. Cox had a forty year career with Virginia Electric and Power Company, which included various engineer positions in Richmond, Norfolk, and Alexandria. He was elected Vice President-Northern Division in Alexandria in 1968, a position he held until retirement in 1983.
Mr. Cox was an active participant in the Northern Virginia community, serving on boards of various state and local organizations, including Alexandria Hospital and the United Way of Alexandria. He was a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Alexandria, and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.
He was an active member of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, Alexandria, where he served as a deacon, elder, trustee and on numerous committees.
In retirement, Mr. Cox volunteered in several areas and did some practice as a Professional Engineer Consultant. He served on the board of the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross, including terms as treasurer, and as chairman. During the period 1993-1995, he led the fundraising and building of a new Red Cross Chapter House on Fayette Street. He was a member of the initial task force and board that developed the Westminster Presbyterian Retirement Community at Lake Ridge.
He enjoyed many years of tennis and golf at Belle Haven Country Club, where he served terms on the board and as treasurer.
His wife of 54 years, Helen Hart Cox, died in March 2006.
Survivors include his children, Mary Olivia MacLeod of Alexandria; James P. Cox, III of Charlottesville, Va.; Helen Hart Cox of Alexandria; and Thomas H. Cox of La Jolla, Calif.; five grandchildren; Louise Cox Crane of Hampton, Va., and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House or the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 2 at 1 p.m. at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria.