James W. Cocker

Funeral Services and Interment, for James W. Cocker, will be privately held by the family.

Jim was born March 4, 1958, in Chicago, and passed away January 26, 2025, in Lake Forest.

He was a proud graduate of Arlington Heights High School, Class of 1976. After high school, he attended Winona State University, where his academic ambitions were interrupted by a diagnosis that would shape his life: terminal kidney disease. In 1980, in a time when many transplant medical practices were still in experimental stages, he received a life-saving kidney transplant from his mother, a gift that would extend his life far beyond what many doctors anticipated.

Against all odds, Jim held the record for the longest running single kidney transplant in the United States, living with his first kidney for 37 years before needing a second transplant in 2017. His journey through medical adversity was a testament to his unbreakable will (or stubbornness) and unwavering hope. His story helped pave the way for improved treatments, and his experience brought hope to countless kidney patients across the country.

Jim was known for his dry sense of humor, quick wit, honesty, and fierce independence. He inspired everyone around him with his perseverance and ability to find the joke in life despite the challenges he faced. He was a dedicated girl dad, loving grandfather, and a loyal friend. He had a passion for rock music and loved to practice guitar. He had an undeniable love for his 1969 Stingray Corvette, a car that was as much a part of him as anything else, always bringing a smile to his face (when it would start). He enjoyed playing golf and going out to eat with his close-knit group of friends, a bond that had been cultivated since grade school. These friendships were a central part of his life, and the laughter and memories shared around the table will always be remembered.

He is survived by his daughters Rachel (Bud) Harrison and Megan (Joel) Fankhauser; Grandchildren Ella, Ava, Max & Evan; and sister Catherine (Mark) Nagel. He was the dear son of late Maynard and Elaine (nee Miskell) Cocker. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated to Gift of Hope.