Mr. Jimmy Nash Cothran

Mr. Jimmy Nash Cothran, 77, of Mt. Airy passed away Thursday, December 17, 2015 at his home. He was born in Robeson County on January 31, 1938 to the late, James Ira and Cleo Britt Cothran. He served our country in the Army Reserve for seven years. Jim’s rural Robeson County rearing gave him the opportunity to learn the value and pride earned from farming on his families land. Later, his service in the military honed leadership skills that he would soon put to use in a successful career. Through a friend, Tony Prevette, he was offered a sales opportunity with Conner Homes in Lumberton and he quickly found his passion. He excelled in that roll and in short order was promoted to branch manager. His ascension continued with a promotion to region manager for North Carolina and relocation to Mt. Airy. Jim retired from Conner Homes in 1988 and began spending time on High Rock Lake enjoying boating and fishing. He soon became good friends with Larry Miles, Randal Morris and Robin and Dan Slabough. He regularly caught catfish and kept a freezer full most of the time. Besides fishing, Jim’s hobbies included a love for motorcycles and taking bike trips with friends. He frequently attended bike week at Daytona Beach and enjoyed friendships built during those trips. Jim enjoyed spending time with his sons-in-law and treasured the families they were leading. The late Fred Pike gave him the nick name “Jim Bob” and it stuck. After Fred annoyed him with that name, almost everyone in the family started calling him by it. Jim loved roasted oysters and frequently asked Tammy and Jack to bring them from Charleston when they visited. Before Jim’s ability to travel became more limited, one of his favorite places to eat was Bowens Island Restaurant in James Island, SC. Toward the end of Jim’s four year battle with dementia with Lewy Bodies, he longed to be taken for rides in his red Jeep Wrangler to the Blue Ridge Parkway or to High Rock Lake. His great grandchildren, Ellie Pike and Nash David Coleman were an inspiration and always brought a smile to his face. He is survived by his wife, Inez Elizabeth Munn Cothran of the home; a daughter, Teresa Pike of Lenoir; a son-in-law, Jack Moore of Mt. Pleasant, SC; grandchildren and spouse, Courtney Nash Coleman and Justin of Six Mile, SC, Calley Elizabeth Moore of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Justin Robert Pike, Jakob Cothran Pike both of Lenior; great grandchildren, Ellie Pike, and Nash David Cothran; special cousins; special friends, Theresa and David Hughes, Buddy and Marilyn Howell and his Precious Nash. In addition to his parents, Mr. Cothran was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Nash Moore; a son-in-law, Freddie Pike. A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 2:30 PM at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Saint Paul’s, NC with the Rev. William Rountree officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 9:30 until 10:30 AM at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy. Dear friends and long-time neighbors, Mert and Ed Snow along with Paige and Dot Smith have unselfishly supported the family and are sincerely loved and appreciated. The care provided by Allison Hemrick, Sylvia Gentry, Karen Casstevens and Jessica Simandle from Mountain Valley Hospice was incredible. They are an honor to their profession and the service they provide is priceless. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, NC 27030 or to Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, 120 Toast Rd., Mt. Airy, NC 27030.