James "Paul" Cobb of Franklin, Ohio passed away at the age of 80 on Monday, March 13th, 2023, surrounded by his family. As a loving husband and devoted father, Paul is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of more than 58 years, Grace Darlene Cobb (daughter of William Townsend and Grace Townsend). Married May 8th 1964, Paul and Darlene were blessed with three children, eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Paul is survived by his daughter Patricia Michelle Beaudoin (son-in-law Joseph Beaudoin) and son William Brian Cobb (daughter-in-law Carrie Cobb) and grandchildren: Jessica, Jordan, Jacob, Courtney, Brittany, Garrett, Justin, Makenna, Megan, Julianna, and Jasmine. Paul was proceeded in death by his son James Gregory Cobb.
Paul was born in Hartford City, Indiana on February 25th, 1943, to Rev. Heedlie Melvin Cobb and Elizabeth Cobb (Breedlove). Paul grew up in a loving family with three siblings: Ruth Coleman, John Cobb, and Marti Quakenbush. Paul attended Indiana Central University where he completed pre-med and history courses. Paul's appreciation for science and history continued throughout his life and both were interests he shared with those around him.
During his career, Paul worked as a Director of Operations and Retail Manager for several national retailers including: JCPenney, Elder-Beerman (Bon-Ton Corporation), and Goodwill Industries. In 2007, Paul was asked to pilot Goodwill's first liquidation center dealing with wholesale liquidation including some international distribution. Throughout his career, Paul took great pride in developing and mentoring his staff while teaching the principals of retail sales and operations management.
Paul's many hobbies included: gardening, wood working, horseback riding, canoeing, camping, hiking, and sailing. Paul's greatest passion was sailing and he enjoyed spending time on the lake with his family aboard his sailboat "Rhapsody."
Paul was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a kind gentle spirit. He was loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 9 am - 10 am at Newcomer Centerville Chapel (820 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Dayton, OH 45459). Funeral service will begin at 10 am.
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