The Cox Family of Wiltshire

James Arnold Pocock was born on September 30, 1911 in Handsworth, Saskatchewan to Arnold and Rosina Pocock.
At the age of 22 years Jim came to Nipawin where he worked for Robert McFarlane Sr., the John Irving Lumber Mill at Fern Creek and also for Sam Pollard at Cherry Ridge. Three years later he had saved enough money to start his own business. In 1937 Jim moved his business across the street to its final location, adding plumbing and electrical work to his growing tinsmith operation.
In 1940, he rented out his business premises and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where he was trained as a radar mechanic. He returned to Nipawin in 1945, remodelling his business under the name of Modern Supply and Repair Depot. He also took on a part-time job with the Nipawin Rural Telephone Exchange. He retired from that position thirty years later at the age 65.
In 1950, Jim sold his plumbing and heating supplies to Clarey Staffen and changed the name of his business to Modern Radio and Electric, employing Roy Terry.
During this time, Jim also operated a line of jukeboxes in Nipawin and the surrounding area. On Saturday nights, speakers outside his store filled the main street of Nipawin with the top ten tunes.
In 1976, at the age of 65, Jim began to specialize in refrigeration working "on call" for business such as the IGA, Botterill's Shop-Rite, the Green Groves Motel and the Park and Avenue Hotels.
Over the years, Jim was involved in a number of community groups and organizations. The Legion was always a priority of Jim's. He served the local branch in many of its executive positions, being president for several years and finally zone commander. As an avid fan of curling, he served as president of the Nipawin Curling Rink Club for a number of years, and was instrumental in obtaining an artificial ice-plant for the local curling club. Jim was also the president of the Nipawin Retail Merchants Association for several years and ran for town council. Jim was a supporter of the Social Credit Party for years, recognizing that interest on money should be made to work for you through saving and could, in the creation of public debt, lead to the downfall of our economy.
Jim enjoyed woodwork. He built his store, a cabin at Waskesieu and his own boat for his favourite hobby fishing. Jim took great pleasure in people, pets and good jokes all due to his keen sense of humour. Jim was loved by many.
Jim had a stroke, and was a resident of the Pineview Lodge for five years. He passed away on January 1, 1996. Jim was predeceased by his father and mother; his infant daughter, Rosina; his son Arnold and his sister, Hilda.