James Cochran

James B. “Jim” Cochran, 55, passed away April 4th, 2022 at his home.  He was born May 11, 1966 in Butler, Pennsylvania, the son of Warren and Olga Cochran.  After graduating from Butler High School in 1984, Jim enlisted in the army where he worked as an armor crewman with an M-1 Abrams Main Battle Tank stationed with the 1st Cavalry Division, Ft. Hood Texas.  He was also selected for a one year special assignment with the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Platoon in 1985.  While in the army, he received the Army Service Ribbon/Army Achievement Medal. Following his time in the military, Jim attended The Pennsylvania College of Technology and earned his Associate Degree in Applied Science from Butler County Community College.  He was employed as a computer technician at the MIUIV in Grove City and then went on to become the Director of Technology for Moniteau School District. 

He was a faithful, active member of St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church. He served on parish council and was both an altar server and an epistle reader. Most recently, he read for the Bishop. Jim dedicatedly volunteered in any capacity that was necessary for his church family, and it was truly the center of his life.   

Jim loved his little piece of heaven known simply as “camp” where he enjoyed shooting targets, making the perfect campfire, and teaching his nieces to fish and drive the buggy.  His loyal four-legged companion, Max, was always by his side. Jim was also an avid reader, loved music and attending live concerts with his wife, and was recently becoming quite the chef.   He had been a member of the American Legion Post No 0778 for 28 years.  

Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 31 years, Michele (Miller) Cochran, his mother Olga Cochran, whom he visited and cared for every day, mother in law Judy (Miller) Volzer and Tom Volzer, his sister Debra Harff, brother in laws Jim Harff and Matthew Savannah, sister in law Mary Savannah, and nieces Mia and Aubry Savannah.  He was preceded in death by his father Warren Cochran, brothers Michael and Thomas Cochran, father in law Dr. Gary Miller, and sister in law Melissa Rubin. 

All services were held privately through SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD. BUTLER, PA 16001 WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Butler Humane Society or St. Andrew Orthodox Church. 

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