James H Cockerham, Jr

Mr. James H. Cockerham, Jr. of Grayson Creek Assisted Living, and formerly of Beth Ave, Winston Salem, peacefully went to heaven to meet his heavenly Father, his Dad and Mom.    A memorial service will be held at 4:30 pm Saturday at Parkway Gospel Chapel, 2561 Buchanan St, Winston Salem with Mark Shelley of Shannon Hills Bible Chapel officiating.  The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service.   James was born in Winston-Salem to J.H. Cockerham, Sr (Jimmy) and Mable Bailey Cockherham.  He was born with Down Syndrome.  He was loved and cared for by extraordinary parents.  James “beat the odds” of Down Syndrome and lived a remarkable life just short of 73 years.  He was a loving, son, brother, uncle, and great uncle.    James attended Konnoak Elementary, Wiley Junior High, and graduated from Central High School.  He attended special education functions at Graylyn and worked at Forsyth County Workshop/Industrial Systems for over 40 years.    His favorite things were Special Olympics Bowling, Bingo, and living an independent life in his room at home where he kept his collection of hats.  He received hundreds from all over the world from family and friends.  He loved attending church and singing hymns.  He was always happy, never complained and loved a good hug!  His favorite, however, was The Wizard of Oz and he claimed Dorothy as his girlfriend.  He also loved Elvis and watching Miss America pageants.    His parents preceded him in death.  He is survived by his brother, Bill Cockerham and wife, Connie, of Jamestown.  His brother cared for him until the end after their mother recently passed in July.  He was also dearly loved by his niece, Amy Cockerham-Martin and husband, David, his great nephews and niece, Alex, Christian, and Charlee-Kate Martin.    Special thanks to the staff of Grayson Creek for the extra care and love provided while James was with them.    James had an extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and church friends who cherished him and loved him throughout his life.    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Special Olympics in his honor.