Obituary of J B Cobb

J. B. Cobb was born on November 21, 1936, in Middlesboro, Kentucky to William and Fronia (Price) Cobb. He was the eighth in line of ten children. JB attended Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio with the Class of 1955.  At 6’3”, he excelled as a member of the basketball team. It was also at Whitmer where JB first met the former Karol Nees. The couple wed on January 22, 1955, in Sylvania, Ohio. They enjoyed sixty-eight years of marriage and were blessed with two daughters and two sons.

JB was a longtime parishioner of Flanders Road Church of Christ in Toledo. A proud member of the United Auto Workers Union, he was employed as a Set-up Operator at General Motors for forty-two years before retiring in 1997. JB was well loved and highly respected by his co-workers throughout his tenure at GM.

JB had a deep appreciation for the natural world. He hunted small and big game and raised champion Coonhound hunting dogs. JB also enjoyed casting a line in Lake Erie in hopes the Perch and Walleye were biting. He shared his passion for fishing with guests on a friend’s charter boat for several years. JB looked forward to annual visits from his colony of Purple Martins. He enticed the South American birds to his yard with specially made bird houses and a daily 6:30am bird call.  JB maintained a large vegetable garden every season. After retirement, he assisted his wife in canning their harvest.  JB often tuned into college sports to cheer on the University of Michigan teams.

JB was always quiet and reserved but his presence loomed large. He had a special and unique relationship with each of his four children. His greatest concern was that his family was content and happy.  JB had a huge heart and extended grace to all who crossed his path.

JB Cobb, age 86, of Erie, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at home, with his loving wife at his side on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. His passing was preceded by his parents, three brothers: Robert Bryant, McKinley “Junior” Bryant, and Benton Cobb; four sisters: Ruth Turner, Mabel Ely, Della Mae Sowder, and Bess Nelson; brothers-in-law: Harry Godbey, Merlin Fortner, and his sister-in-law Karen Nees-Adams.

To cherish his memory, he leaves a loving wife: Karol Cobb; two daughters: Vicki Lynn Cobb-Boes (Mark Boes) and Joyce (Kent) Rethlake; two sons: Timothy Cobb (Gwynne Cobb) and Jeffrey Cobb (Brooke Lauber-Cobb); seven grandchildren: Heather, Joshua, Jared (Amanda), Jeremiah, Jessica (Matt), Jana (Aaron), and Andrew; eleven great grandchildren: Jayden, Levi, Maverick, Braeden, Benjamin, Matilyn, Kinsley, Claire, Logan, Liam, and Tenley; two sisters: Aileen Godbey and Dolly Fortner; his sister-in-law: Ina Rae Drake, his brothers-in-law: Gerald Drake, Tony Adams, Ted Rennels (Antoinette), and many nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle J”.

Friends may gather on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of JB’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023, also at Merkle’s. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan for burial. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Toledo Division of the American Heart Association. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.