PROVINCETOWN — The Rev. James W. “Jim” Cox of Provincetown died on Sept. 10, 2019 at home, surrounded by friends. He was 59.
Born in Barnstable and raised in Wellfleet, he was the son of Hazel and the late William T. Cox. After graduating from Nauset High School, he went on to study at Centenary College, a Methodist Church-affiliated school in Shreveport, La. He graduated in 1981. Jim continued his religious studies and attained the deacon’s order UMC in 1987 and the elder’s order in 1994. In May 1987 he earned his master of divinity degree from Boston University. He was fully ordained in 1989.
Jim was serving as the pastor of the Provincetown United Methodist Church at the time of his death. A retired elder in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church, he also served churches in Sudbury, East Longmeadow, Attleboro, and Malden.
Reverend Jim, as he was affectionately known, is greatly missed by his family and friends. He was involved in many community causes, including the Soup Kitchen in Provincetown, the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, the Provincetown Swim for Life, and the Homeless Prevention Council.
In addition to his mother, Hazel (Atwood) Cox of Keene, N.H., he leaves brothers Jeffrey H. Cox and his wife, Kerry, of South Wellfleet and Howard D. Cox and his wife, Jennifer, of Brewster, and several nieces.
Jim planned his funeral. He has donated his body to science, but would like his relatives and friends to participate in a traditional New Orleans “second line” service to be held on Saturday, Oct. 5. Friends will gather at 10 a.m. in front of the Provincetown Town Hall on Commercial Street and procede to the United Methodist Church on Shank Painter Road for a celebration of his life and his expectation of divine revelation. He wanted his service to be colorful and uplifting.
Reverend Jim was committed to accepting and welcoming all people. In that spirit he asked that those who attend his services come as who they are, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious beliefs.
Immediately following the celebration there will be a lunch in Hebert Hall at the Provincetown United Methodist Church for a time of fellowship, friendship, and the sharing of journeys.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Provincetown United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 311, Provincetown 02657. Expressions of condolence for the family may be left in the guest book at gatelyfuneralservice.com.
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