Celebrating the life of
James A. D. Cox
May 10, 1924 - June 09, 2016
SAVANNAH - James Aubrey Douglas Cox was born the 10th of May, 1924 in Herne Bay, Kent, England. He was affectionately called Jimmie and also Jim, especially after he moved to America in 1967 to teach Architecture at the University of Virginia School of Architecture in Charlottesville. A beloved faculty member of the department of Architectural History for more than two decades, Jim served as a professor, mentor, and friend to countless students. Jim was a lover of books, music, opera, theater, and the visual and domestic arts. Among his many accomplishments, he was made fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1969, he was founding secretary of the John Roysse Lodge, Abingdon, England, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014, and he was initiated into the Raven Society of the University of Virginia in 1984 and received the Raven award in 1990. Jim retired to Savannah, Georgia in 1990 and immediately donated 450 cherished books to the then-struggling Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) architecture program. Soon thereafter the University of Virginia conferred upon him the title of Professor Emeritus. He worshiped at Saint John’s Episcopal Church and wrote two books on Savannah which helped support the missions of Christ Church and the Historic Savannah Foundation. He greatly enjoyed entertaining in his 1853 townhouse on Calhoun Square. Jim downsized in 2007 to Tattnall Street, where he passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on June 9th, 2016. He was 92. A Burial Office and Committal at Cremation was conducted by Father Craig O’Brien of Saint John’s Episcopal Church.
A Requiem Eucharist for the Repose of the Soul of James A. D. Cox will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2017, at St. John’s Church in Savannah.
Jim is survived by his friend, partner, and spouse Ron Melander whom he met on New Year’s Day, 1981. Also surviving him are the four children of his deceased brother Ron: a niece Frances (Bobby) Khouri of Abingdon, and three nephews; Charles (Biz) of Wolverhampton, and twins John (Jo) of Yeovil and James (Denise) of Durham. His Iggulden cousins also survive him along with all the delightful members of the younger generations of the family. Jim was especially pleased when a great-grand niece was born on his mother’s birthday, November 8th, 2010 and named Constance May Cox after her. Jim’s mother died in Savannah in her 99th year in 1991.
In lieu of flowers, cards, or other tokens of remembrance, friends can make a tax deductible contribution to the James A.D. Cox Distinguished Lectureship in Architecture at the University of Virginia. Any amount is fine. An anonymous donor has generously made a $50,000 challenge grant matching every donation dollar for dollar. Once fulfilled, a permanent endowment will be established so that Jim’s lectureship will live in perpetuity. To give by mail, you may send a check made out to the UVA School of Architecture Foundation. Mail to Kristen Schmidt, Associate Director of Development for Individual Giving, Peyton House, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22904. Please write “Jim Cox Lectureship” in the memo line. To learn more about the lectureship or give online, go to: http://www.arch.virginia.edu/JamesADCoxDistinguishedLectureship
When giving online, please make sure to choose “other” and in the special instructions box mention that the donation is for the James A.D. Cox Lectureship. If you have any memories you would like to share about Jim, please send to kimwong@virginia.edu. Jim will be greatly missed.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
I am somehow just learning of Dr. Cox’s passing these two years later. I am so sorry for your loss - Dr. Cox was my professor of Architectural History during the first year I spent at the University of Virginia in the Fall of 1983, and I will always remember that course and Dr. Cox fondly. He was a kind man and a very memorable teacher.
- Greg Gaines, Gainesville , FL
May Jehovah give your family the needed strength to cope with the loss of your loved one. Isaiah 65:17
- Kelly, Pooler , Ga
My cousin and Godfather Jim Cox, was a warm, kind, generous man and this was so evident when I stayed with him and Ron. Nothing was too much trouble, I and my visit ,was made to feel special. Memories I will treasure always. He was so lucky to have found Ron who is so caring.
- Wendy Dash ( nee Iggulden), Normans Bay, Pevensey, UK,
Jim was one of Savannah's treasures. A kind, unassuming and helpful gentleman, he generously shared his great knowledge with the preservation community. I am honored to have known him and to have enjoyed several lively conversations with him. Jim authored and shared with Historic Savannah Foundation two books: Savannah's Tour of Homes & Gardens, and Savannah's Secret and Public Gardens. Both of these remain very popular titles twenty years after their publication. And, true to his character, he donated the royalties for these books to support the operations of Historic Savannah Foundation. We will miss Jim's wisdom, insights, and good humor. Rest in peace.
- Daniel G. Carey, Savannah, GA
it was my great pleasure to know jim cox in my graduate years at u va in the mid 1970s. my sincere condolences to ron and mr cox's british family
- ed polk douglas, lyons, ny
Ron, my sincere condolences to you and the Cox family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Cox seems to have had a very long, full, amazing life. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you. Nancy Flood
- Nancy K. Flood , Savannah, GA
Oh my dear Ron, I am so sadden by your loss. I have been out of town and just saw where Jim has passed. I am thinking of you knowing how much you loved and respected this amazing MAN. May he Rest in Peace. Take care friend, Alice Pollak
- Alice Pollak, savannah, ga
I had the pleasure of meeting Jim several times over the last few years. What an interesting and very nice man. Always the Gentleman! My condolences.
- Roy Hill, Savannah, GA
Dear Ron, We are so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. XXOO
- Ruthie and Gebel Seese, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts are with you all, especially Fran and Bobby Khouri, Tim always spoke affectionately of his uncle Jim, and know he will be greatly missed. Love and best wishes, Roy & Darren xx
- Roy & Darren Lingen, London , England
My deepest condolences, Ron. I am so sorry for your loss and you and Jim's family are in my prayers. What a fascinating man, with so many accomplishments. My thoughts are with you.
- Brooke Bass, Savannah, GA
Ron, I was not aware that Jim had passed when I saw you the other day. I am so sorry for your loss and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Karen Schroder, Savannah, GA
Ron, no words are adequate to describe how much Jim meant to me when I entered UVA at a nontraditional age and was befriended by him both at UVA and beyond in retirement at your home. Your heart is my heart. Grace and Peace, Pat Sherwood
- Pat Sherwood, Folkston, GA
Ron, no words are adequate to describe how much Jim meant to me when I entered UVA at a nontraditional age and was befriended by him both at UVA and beyond in retirement at your home. Your heart is my heart. Grace and Peace, Pat Sherwood
- Pat Sherwood, Folkston, GA
We want to send our deepest sympathy to the Cox family and to Ron Melander, the president of our Victorian Society Chapter. Jim Cox lived a long and very meaningful life. He will be remembered for his contributions to architectural history scholarship, to his community and for his commitment to his students. He will be missed by all.
- Savannah Chapter of the Victorian Society in America, Savannah, GA
Ron - deepest sympathies for your loss. You took such great care of this extraordinary gentleman who taught so many so well, yet was always willing to learn. His sparkle and wit, legendary. His profound knowledge of a wide range of arts and history and music and on and on. We'll all miss the one and only Jim Cox.
- Tom Flesher, San Francisco, CA
Our condolences to the Cox Family and to our friend, Ron Melander.
- Mr. and Mrs Kevin Ford, Atlanta, GA
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Cox's family. He facilitated my entry to the Architectural History program at Virginia in 1978, for which I will always be grateful. He was one of my favorite professors, and I also worked with him in the Slide Collection there. After his retirement and move to Savannah, he would pop in every once in so often in the summers, and it always made my day to see him again.
- Ann Burns, Charlottesville, VA
A truly Gentle_man
- John Cox, Nr Yeovil, Somerset
My condolences to Mr. Cox's family. I enjoyed working with Mr. Cox in the 1980s when he was in the UVa architecture slide collection many times a week. He sincerely appreciated the work we did documenting architecture and we, in turn, appreciated his knowledge and good humor. He will be missed.
- Lynda S. White, Keswick, VA
Ron Jim was an interesting man with a sweet persona!ity . We did not know him in his academic years,however his range of thought was astounding. We will remember him hosting boxing day as he sat on the porch and enjoyed all. Bob and Eunice Bell
- Robert Bell , Savannah, Ga
A successful and happy life fully lived Uncle Jim. You will be fondly remembered by your many friends and your family.
- Charles Cox, Wolverhampton, UK
You're going to be missed Uncle Jimmy! You leave a legacy of being one of my life Heros. My heart and thoughts are with all the family and amazing friends he had around the world. X
- Tim Khouri, Oxford, UK
May sincere condolences to the Cox Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death.) May fond memories of James linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- HENRY, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA
I am somehow just learning of Dr. Cox’s passing these two years later. I am so sorry for your loss - Dr. Cox was my professor of Architectural History during the first year I spent at the University of Virginia in the Fall of 1983, and I will always remember that course and Dr. Cox fondly. He was a kind man and a very memorable teacher.
- Greg Gaines, Gainesville , FL
May Jehovah give your family the needed strength to cope with the loss of your loved one. Isaiah 65:17
- Kelly, Pooler , Ga
My cousin and Godfather Jim Cox, was a warm, kind, generous man and this was so evident when I stayed with him and Ron. Nothing was too much trouble, I and my visit ,was made to feel special. Memories I will treasure always. He was so lucky to have found Ron who is so caring.
- Wendy Dash ( nee Iggulden), Normans Bay, Pevensey, UK,
Jim was one of Savannah's treasures. A kind, unassuming and helpful gentleman, he generously shared his great knowledge with the preservation community. I am honored to have known him and to have enjoyed several lively conversations with him. Jim authored and shared with Historic Savannah Foundation two books: Savannah's Tour of Homes & Gardens, and Savannah's Secret and Public Gardens. Both of these remain very popular titles twenty years after their publication. And, true to his character, he donated the royalties for these books to support the operations of Historic Savannah Foundation. We will miss Jim's wisdom, insights, and good humor. Rest in peace.
- Daniel G. Carey, Savannah, GA
it was my great pleasure to know jim cox in my graduate years at u va in the mid 1970s. my sincere condolences to ron and mr cox's british family
- ed polk douglas, lyons, ny
Ron, my sincere condolences to you and the Cox family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Cox seems to have had a very long, full, amazing life. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you. Nancy Flood
- Nancy K. Flood , Savannah, GA
Oh my dear Ron, I am so sadden by your loss. I have been out of town and just saw where Jim has passed. I am thinking of you knowing how much you loved and respected this amazing MAN. May he Rest in Peace. Take care friend, Alice Pollak
- Alice Pollak, savannah, ga
I had the pleasure of meeting Jim several times over the last few years. What an interesting and very nice man. Always the Gentleman! My condolences.
- Roy Hill, Savannah, GA
Dear Ron, We are so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. XXOO
- Ruthie and Gebel Seese, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts are with you all, especially Fran and Bobby Khouri, Tim always spoke affectionately of his uncle Jim, and know he will be greatly missed. Love and best wishes, Roy & Darren xx
- Roy & Darren Lingen, London , England
My deepest condolences, Ron. I am so sorry for your loss and you and Jim's family are in my prayers. What a fascinating man, with so many accomplishments. My thoughts are with you.
- Brooke Bass, Savannah, GA
Ron, I was not aware that Jim had passed when I saw you the other day. I am so sorry for your loss and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Karen Schroder, Savannah, GA
Ron, no words are adequate to describe how much Jim meant to me when I entered UVA at a nontraditional age and was befriended by him both at UVA and beyond in retirement at your home. Your heart is my heart. Grace and Peace, Pat Sherwood
- Pat Sherwood, Folkston, GA
Ron, no words are adequate to describe how much Jim meant to me when I entered UVA at a nontraditional age and was befriended by him both at UVA and beyond in retirement at your home. Your heart is my heart. Grace and Peace, Pat Sherwood
- Pat Sherwood, Folkston, GA
We want to send our deepest sympathy to the Cox family and to Ron Melander, the president of our Victorian Society Chapter. Jim Cox lived a long and very meaningful life. He will be remembered for his contributions to architectural history scholarship, to his community and for his commitment to his students. He will be missed by all.
- Savannah Chapter of the Victorian Society in America, Savannah, GA
Ron - deepest sympathies for your loss. You took such great care of this extraordinary gentleman who taught so many so well, yet was always willing to learn. His sparkle and wit, legendary. His profound knowledge of a wide range of arts and history and music and on and on. We'll all miss the one and only Jim Cox.
- Tom Flesher, San Francisco, CA
Our condolences to the Cox Family and to our friend, Ron Melander.
- Mr. and Mrs Kevin Ford, Atlanta, GA
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Cox's family. He facilitated my entry to the Architectural History program at Virginia in 1978, for which I will always be grateful. He was one of my favorite professors, and I also worked with him in the Slide Collection there. After his retirement and move to Savannah, he would pop in every once in so often in the summers, and it always made my day to see him again.
- Ann Burns, Charlottesville, VA
A truly Gentle_man
- John Cox, Nr Yeovil, Somerset
My condolences to Mr. Cox's family. I enjoyed working with Mr. Cox in the 1980s when he was in the UVa architecture slide collection many times a week. He sincerely appreciated the work we did documenting architecture and we, in turn, appreciated his knowledge and good humor. He will be missed.
- Lynda S. White, Keswick, VA
Ron Jim was an interesting man with a sweet persona!ity . We did not know him in his academic years,however his range of thought was astounding. We will remember him hosting boxing day as he sat on the porch and enjoyed all. Bob and Eunice Bell
- Robert Bell , Savannah, Ga
A successful and happy life fully lived Uncle Jim. You will be fondly remembered by your many friends and your family.
- Charles Cox, Wolverhampton, UK
You're going to be missed Uncle Jimmy! You leave a legacy of being one of my life Heros. My heart and thoughts are with all the family and amazing friends he had around the world. X
- Tim Khouri, Oxford, UK
May sincere condolences to the Cox Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death.) May fond memories of James linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- HENRY, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
