James Robert Cochran, Sr., 87 of rural Montgomery City, MO, died on Monday, December 13, 2021, at his home surrounded by family.

James Robert Cochran, Sr., was born January 13, 1934, in East St. Louis, IL to Amos Andrew Cochran and Margaret Rose Guiett Cochran.  Mr. Cochran married Virginia Bell on March 21, 1953 in St. Louis, MO, and have been married for over 68 wonderful years.  He worked for Granite City Steel until he retired.  Mr. Cochran was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church; The Knights of Columbus; was a former Scout Leader; weight lifter, gardener, he enjoyed painting art and praying.  He will be missed by many.

Mr. Cochran is survived by his wife, Virginia Bell Cochran of rural Montgomery City, MO; children: Robert Cochran and wife, Elizabeth of Montgomery City, MO; Virginia Kay Cochran of Montgomery City, MO; Richard Cochran of St. Louis, MO; Michael Cochran and wife, Lilly, of Montgomery City, MO; James Cochran, Jr., of Montgomery City, MO; Mary Hertel and husband, Stephen, of Warrenton, MO; Anita Jones and husband, Joseph of St. Louis, MO; Shaun Cochran and Heather of Hawk Point, MO; and Michelle Cochran and husband, Josh, of Calwood, MO.  Also surviving are 27 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way; nephew Mark Cochran and his family; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Mr. Cochran was preceded in death by his parents, Amos Andrew Cochran and Margaret Rose Guiett Cochran; grandson, James Cochran III, Sisters: Betty Cochran and Margaret Cochran; brother, Jack Cochran; and cousin, Donna Bell.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 20, 2021, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Montgomery City, MO.  Father Philip Kane will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM with a Rosary at 3:00 PM at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the EWTN or to the Immaculate Conception Church for Masses, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361.