James Alexander “Jimmy” Cockrum was born 3 January 1926 to Bradford L. and Gladys I. Cockrum, 406 Houston Street, Knoxville.
He died of wounds received in the invasion of Okinawa.
Burial March 13, 1949, Bookwalter Cemetery, Knoxville
The Knoxville News-Sentinel, 7 June 1945:
Pfc. James A. Cockrum, son of Mr. and Mrs. B.L. Cockrum, 2221 McCalla Avenue, died May 22 of wounds received on Okinawa, the family has been notified. Pfc. Cockrum was 19 years old. He enlisted in the Marines in August, 1943. Before going overseas last October, he spent a 15-day furlough with his family. He participated in the invasion of Guam, Leyte and Okinawa. While in Okinawa, he was a member of a group which captured a Japanese horse and flag. Before going into service, he worked as fountain manager at Walgreen’s drug store. He was engaged to Miss Ida Zachary of Knoxville. Besides his parents, he is survived by three grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Stile, 1609 Pennsylvania Avenue, and Mrs. Oscar Bell, Route 6.
- Rank: Private First Class
- Date of birth: 3 January 1926
- Date of death: 22 May 1945
- County: Knox
- Hometown: Knoxville
- Service Branch: Marine Corps
- Division/Assignment: 4th Marines, 6th Marine Division, Company B
- Theater: Pacific
- Conflict: World War II
- Battles: Guam, Leyte, Okinawa
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Bookwalter Cemetery, Knoxville, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XIV, Top Panel
- Sponsored by: John B. Romeiser
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