James Dale Cox
James Dale Cox, 89, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, leaving behind his devoted family to begin his eternal life in heaven.
Born on June 26, 1935, in Clinton, Tennessee, Dale graduated from Clinton High School in 1954, where he played multiple sports and was active in the Future Farmers of America. In 1971, he moved his family to South Florida in search of a warmer climate, greater job opportunities, and a better life for his loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce Foust Cox; his parents, Joe L. and Rose E. Cox; and his grandson, J. Joshua Cox.
Dale is survived by his children, J. Alan Cox (Tracy), Susan E. Artz (Ray), G. Brian Cox (Kym), and Rebecca A. Swavely (Brad); 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Dale took great pride in the many ways he provided for his family and served his community. He served in the Tennessee Army National Guard and worked as a lineman for CUB, KUB, and Florida Power & Light. He was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), holding multiple leadership roles, and was active in local PTA and booster clubs. He also coached several recreational sports teams for his children.
He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found joy in fishing, hunting, gardening, or simply watching nature from the porch. After retiring, he and Joyce spent their summers in Clinton and winters in South Florida, where he continued to focus on family, gardening and a growing passion for saltwater fishing.
Those who knew Dale had a variety of positive things to say about his impact on their lives. His advice, guidance, wealth of practical knowledge, encouragement and generosity of his time to friends and community was endless. He valued hard work and dedication to family and friends, with expectations of himself setting the right example. Having “never met a stranger,” there was seldom a time when he wouldn’t run into someone he knew or had a common friend with; and with genuine sincerity he always wanted to hear how everyone was doing and what they were up to.
A man of quiet giving, Dale made many unsolicited donations to churches and charities close to his heart, including Second Baptist Church of Clinton, Deep Springs Baptist Church in Heiskell, Black Oak Baptist Church of Clinton where he attended with his family before moving to Florida, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Dale was a fan of flowers in his yard and nature, but not so much for cut flowers. In lieu of flowers, he would be pleased if donations were made to one of his favorite churches or charity.
The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Woodhaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 160 Edgemoor Road, Powell, with a service to follow.
