James Douglas Cox

James Douglas "Jim" Cox, of rural Maryville, MO passed away May 12, 2026 after a life marked by adventure, hard work and service to the AG and aviation community. Jim was born February 28, 1943, in Shenandoah, lowa, to Ovid and Jessie Cox. It seemed fitting for Jim that he was born and raised at the airport since he was named after two World War II Generals James Doolittle and Douglas MacArthur who were notable heroes in the war efforts. Jim grew up active in sports, excelling in football, basketball, and track while attending and graduating from Shenandoah High School in 1961. He later earned a business management degree from Northwest Missouri State University.

From an early age, Jim developed a deep love for aviation through his family's flying business. From his fathers flight instruction, he earned a private pilot license as a teenager. He went on and obtained a commercial pilot license and became a skilled pilot, flight instructor, fixed-base operator and airport manager in Maryville, Mo. When his father retired, Jim took over his father's operation and became the fixed base operator at the Tarkio, MO airport and moved his business there. Keeping up with the latest technology, Jim was one of the first in our area to incorporate a global positioning system (GPS) in his AG aircraft for more accurate application and for better record keeping. Throughout his career, he inspired many through flight instruction, air shows, community fly-ins, and his passion for sharing the joy of flying with others.

In addition to aviation, Jim was a dedicated farmer known for his land stewardship. He combined his love for flying and farming by building hangars and a private runway on his farm, where he continued both passions for many years.

In the mid-90s, Jim took a new vocation as he purchased two apartment complexes to help meet the need for housing of college students and young working people. He was the manager and caretaker of the apartments.

When Jim wasn't flying, farming or mowing you could find him at an auction. He was a collector of Native artifacts, dinosaur bones, fossils, train and aviation related items. He missed his calling at having one more avocation, a museum curator.

Jim was also well known for his generosity. Many will remember him for his tradition of passing out $2 bills along with a short quiz for those lucky enough to receive one. Also known for his curiosity, and love for family, friends, and animals, especially his loyal airport dog, Clyde, who would accompany him as co-pilot on short flights or in the tractor. He treasured sharing his knowledge, adventures, and love of life with nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Ovid Cox, sister Beverly (Cox) Johnson, brother in law, Kenneth Johnson, brother Robert Cox, brother in law William Campbell, and niece Bridget Campbell. He is survived by sister, Marilyn (Cox) Campbell of El Cajon, CA, good friend Sherri Reeves, of Maryville, MO and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim will be remembered for his pioneering spirit, kind heart, and the countless lives he lifted both on the ground and in the air.

Arrangements are under the care of Bram Funeral Home. There will be a visitation at Bram Funeral Home on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The memorial service will take place the next day at the same location at 10:00 am. Jim's ashes will be scattered on his farm. Memorials may be made to Asera Care Hospice and The New Nodaway County Humane Society.