James Cochran ’55

Jim, the son of Mary Cochran and Dr. William Cochran ’25, was born Oct. 9, 1932, and died Oct. 10, 2016.

He grew up in China, prepped at Deerfield, majored in politics, joined Prospect Club, and was baseball head manager. His roommates at 35 North West College were Robert Cochran and Rubin Pittman. Jim then graduated from Harvard Business School and worked for Smith Klein & French, Burroughs, Bedford Lithograph, and Arbor International.

A caustic observer of life in the United States (e.g., “We have allowed our government to lie to us”; “We have created a nation that takes no responsibility”), Jim assessed himself as opinionated as hell.

He was an avid golfer and Civil War history enthusiast and loved everything in and about Boston, particularly the Red Sox. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren at their various sporting events.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, John and Robert Cochran. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia; children Barry and Roberta; sister Anne; and grandchildren Lindsay, Ben, Cassie, and Evan. A remarkable man, Jim will be remembered fondly by family and classmates.