James Earl Cochran, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 30, 2024.  Earl was born June 21, 1926 in Fort Pierce, Florida.  After the death of both his parents, he and his younger brother moved to the Florida Baptist Children's Home in 1935 at Arcadia, Florida.  He graduated from DeSoto County High School in 1944 and Stetson University in 1947.  Earl started his 42 year career at Lucille Moore Elementary School on January 2, 1948 as coach and teacher.  Earl served as principal at several schools and County School Superintendent.  He moved to Gulf Coast College as Academic Dean and Vice President for 22 years.  He also served as a Bay County School Board member from 1986 to 1990.  Earl was listed in "Who's Who in American Education".  Earl was very active in civic activities during his career.  He served as founding president of Bay County Boy's Club and received " Boys Club of American Medallion in 1971 and Boys Club of America Milestone Award in 1974.  He also served on United Cerebral Palsy Board and was awarded Outstanding Citizen Award in 1979. He served as Bay County United Way Fund Drive Chairman and was Board President and served on the Florida Baptist Children's Home Board of Trustees.   Earl was also very active in the Jaycee's and was given the Bay County Outstanding Young Man of the Year award and was nominated to America's Ten Outstanding Young Man Award.  In 1960, Earl was awarded the Jaycee's of Florida Good Government Award. Earl was very active in local sports, having played City League basketball for 7-Up, he was the City League Softball pitcher for Jinks Teachers Fast Pitch and First Baptist Church Slow-pitch. He played Golf as a member at the Panama City County Club from 1952-2013 with several holes-in-one. He was also the Southern States Amputee Arm Champion in 1988 and 1992.

Earl was an active member of First Baptist Church of Panama City where he served as teacher, Department Director, Deacon and served two terms as Deacon Chairman.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Nedra; his infant son, Neal; brother, Dr. Bernard Cochran (Mary).  He is survived by his wife, Dr. Sue Cochran, son, Ken Cochran (Maria) and daughter Ronda  Baggett (Robbie); grandchildren, Hannah, Hayden, Mairin; stepsons, Dr. Tim Moore (Laurie), Rod Moore (Babe).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1 pm in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Clyde Ellison officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12-1 pm prior to the service. A private family interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations  may be made to the Florida Baptist Children's Home, One More Child, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802 in memory of James Earl Cochran.