Mr. Joseph Lee Cox

Joseph Lee Cox was born on November 23, 1954 to the late James and Mary Cox at Cook County Hospital (now known as Stroger Hospital) in Chicago, IL. During the early portion of his childhood he was raised on the West side of Chicago and moved to Evanston in 1957 along with the entire Cox family. 

As far as his education, Joseph attended Foster Elementary School as well as Evanston Township High School and he was a proponent for social justice. During his youth, Jojo was recognized around town for his style of dress and held the distinction of being one of the best dressers of the Cox family. He had favor among the ladies and developed an affinity to attend parties with his childhood friend Craig whether they were invited or not. Apparently, his good fortune extended beyond his immediate surroundings as he infamously hitch-hiked all the way from Evanston to Florida and on another occasion he successfully made it from Evanston to California.

Jojo loved to drink his daily dose of morning coffee and everyone knew that his day could not come to an end unless he had a cigarette. It did not matter who you were or how old you were, all Jojo wanted to know was did you have a cigarette. It was his way of bonding and if you really knew him you would find out that Jojo was humorous, caring and he ended most of his sentences with “Thank you” or “May God bless you.” Jojo lived life differently at times and this was evidenced in the way that he interacted with people. He was well known in the neighborhood and he enjoyed frequent walks to his favorite stomping ground…Babylon Discount Store. Jojo also liked spending time with family and especially enjoyed gatherings that involved his extended relatives from Chicago.

Jojo’s story would not be complete without mention of the two loves of his life, which are Joyce Woods and his music. Even with limited functioning, the mere sound of her name would get him excited as she was his first love and their love for each other never wavered. Jojo would often share stories about Joyce with others and he frequently asked about her until the day he departed. Jojo was also an avid lover of music. He would listen to the radio for countless hours in his room during the day and the sound of music would sooth him as it played throughout the night.

Jojo was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Cox as well as his siblings, John Edward Cox,  and Larry Cox. He leaves behind one son, Stevie Tinch (Bridget Potts-Tinch) and siblings, Loretha (Joseph), James Jr.(Glenda), Mamie, Henrietta, Sheila, Timothy, and Harry as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who reflect on his life to celebrate and take joy in the precious memories that we have been left to cherish! Please keep the family in your prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director.

DUE TO RESTRICTION OF THE CORNA VIRUS SOCIAL DISTANCING MANDATE, ONLY 10 PEOPLE WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE CHAPEL . PLEASE WEAR YOUR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT INSIDE CHAPEL/

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