James W. Cockerill

James W. Cockerill of Caro, age 67, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 18, 2019 with his loving family by his side. Jim was born August 2, 1951 in Caro, the son of the late William E. & Margaret (Mathews) Cockerill. He grew up in a military family and traveled the world with his parents and siblings, graduating from Cascade Senior High School in Everett, Washington with the Class of 1969. In 1970, Jim enlisted with the U.S. Air Force where he served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. During his time in service to our country, he flew rescue missions that earned him three Silver Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon his honorable discharge in 1974, Jim enrolled at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York where he would later earn an associate degree in medical photography. More than a degree, Jim also left with his college sweetheart, Kristina Schuhmann, that he married shortly after on August 21, 1976 in Mayville. The couple moved to Chicago after the wedding and Jim began work at Loyola Dental School for seventeen years before taking a position at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Chicago that would span the next twenty. Jim and Kristina moved to Caro shortly after his retirement in 2015 to be closer to family. Jim was an avid photographer and turned his lifelong love of the art into an occupation. He also enjoyed Formula 1 Racing, reuniting with old military friends, and his beloved Dachshund dogs that he had throughout his life. Jim is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Kristina Cockerill of Caro; four siblings and their spouses, Barbara & Richard Frank, Roxanne Hiser, Diane Credeur, F. Mark & Lisa Cockerill, all of Caro; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Revs. Gregory Deason and Joseph Berkobien officiating. Private interment will take place at the Rich Township Cemetery in Mayville. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Chicago or Kids Equipment Network (www.tken.org). Visitation Information Date: Thursday, May 23, 2019 Time: 12:00 pm End Time: 3:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, May 23, 2019 Time: 3:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Revs. Gregory Deason and Joseph Berkobien officiating.