James "Jimmy" Morgan Cockrell, Jr., age 43, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Jimmy was born August 31, 1976, in Birmingham, Ala., to his loving parents, Jim and Donna Cockrell. He is preceded in death by his father, James, Sr. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Stephanie Phillips Cockrell; three beautiful children, Abigail (Abby), Kaitlyn, and Caleb; mother, Donna Ray Cockrell; sisters, Angela Dingler (Jerry) and Jodi Cook; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and special friends.

Jimmy attended Bessemer Academy, lettering in baseball, basketball, and football. His first love was baseball. He received a scholarship to East Mississippi Community College, earning his Associates Degree in Accounting. He went on to the University of West Alabama, on a President's scholastic and baseball scholarships, earning his B.S. in Business. He went on to earn an Executive MBA from the University of Alabama, and a degree in Banking & Finance from the University of South Alabama, later in life.

After graduating UWA, Jimmy began his career with CVS Pharmacy where he became the youngest training store manager in the state of Alabama. After several years, he was hired as the first Wachovia Bank manager for the Southeast Region, after the SouthTrust/Wachovia merger. This is where Jimmy began his career as a commercial lender, which led him to People's Bank of Alabama, as a V.P. of Commercial Lending.

Jimmy married his college sweetheart, Stephanie, in June of 2000. They began their family in 2003, with the birth of Abigail; followed by another daughter, Kaitlyn, in 2005. In 2007, they rounded out their family by the birth of their son, Caleb. Jimmy was a very loving a devoted husband, father, and employee. Jimmy was also a Christian that was not ashamed of his salvation. He knew he had many shortcomings, but he was secure in his faith. His struggles in life are now over, as he rests in the presence of Christ.

A visitation will be held for Jimmy at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home on Saturday, June 20, from 11:00am-12:00pm, with funeral service beginning at 12:00pm. Burial to follow at Hayden Church of God Cemetery.

Officiating: Reverend Wayne Cook

Pallbearers: Buck Bice, Levi Cook, Jeremy DiBenedetto, Keith Hill, Michael Livengood, Adam Russell, Shane Elrod

**While there are no restrictions on the number of attendees allowed during the visitation or funeral service, we do request that the social distancing guidelines be followed for the safety of everyone. Masks are recommended, but not required.**