James M. "Buzz" Cockerell
May 13 1933 - March 24 2008
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Obituary
James M. Cockerell, affectionately known as "Buzz", passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends on March 24, 2008. Buzz was a devoted husband for 45 years to his wife Mary Jean (Carfagna). A wonderful father to his four children, Marsha (Lou) Mampieri, Jeffrey (Mary Ann), Ginamarie (Amedeo) Pagani and J. Michael, Sr. (Crystal). Buzz is also survived by his loving sister Virgina Pauline Urian, eleven grandchildren, Anthony (Leeanne) and Michael (Staci) Mampieri, Nicole, Joseph Cockerell, Angelo and Annamaria Pagani and Ashlie, Annabella, and J. Michael Jr., Cockerell, five great grandchildren, Alexondra, Anna, Luca, Vincent and Dominic Mampieri, sisters and brothers-in-Law and many nieces and nephews. Buzz also leaves behind his great friend and business partner Jim Tharp of Jim Tharp Realty. In addition to his years as a realtor, Buzz owned and operated Jimchucks Restaurant and Buzz Cockerell's Westerville Restaurant. A restaurateur for almost thirty years Buzz was heavily involved in the Central Ohio Restaurant Association as a Board Member and served two terms as a President. He was also a past President of the Ohio Restaurant Association, and a member of The National Restaurant Association. He served on the Board of Six Pence School, a school that served children with learning disabilities. He loved these children and many of them worked at his restaurant for fifteen to twenty years. His love for God and his Catholic faith extended to his church St. Paul the Apostle in Westerville, where he served on the school board, parish fund raising committees and held a fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus Westerville Council. Buzz was also active in the Westerville community. He was a member of the “O” Club for Otterbein College. He served on the original committee to bring St. Ann’s Hospital to Westerville. He served as a Councilman, Council President and then over two terms as Mayor in the Village of Minerva Park. He also served as President of the Central Ohio Mayors and Municipal Association. Buzz loved hearing the stories of his older gentleman customers that came into his restaurant, so he formed a special club for these gentlemen. It was known as "The Ole Buzzards Club". Over thirty years later they are still telling stories. He is preceded in death by his parents Ernest D. and Alyce L. Cockerell, his infant brother Wilbur F. Cockerell and his first wife Mary Ann (Wolf). Friends may call SATURDAY, March 29th at the JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME, 1177 W. 5th Avenue, from 4:00-8:00 PM and SUNDAY, March 30th from 2:00-8:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 AM on MONDAY, March 31st, 2008 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 313 North State Street, Westerville, Ohio, Rev. Fr. David E. Gwinner, Presider and Rev. Fr. Paul A. Noble, con-celebrant. Entombment will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum, 6440 S. High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish, may contribute in memory of Buzz to the American Heart/Stroke Association, 5455 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214. Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to any of the followingCondolences for James M. "Buzz" Cockerell
From : Maxine and Debby Coder
To : MaryJean and Family
Date: March 26th 2008
We are so sorry to hear of Buzz's passing. MaryJean you have done nothing but make sure my Mother was included in all the "family" things that went on and I want to thank you. I will forever look at Buzz as the "uncle" that I loved from down in Chillicothe. We all send our Love.
From : Beth ( Carfagna ) Womack
To : The Cockerell Families
Date: March 27th 2008
All of our thoughts and prayers go out to all of your families. Buzz was such a wondeful man blessed with such a loving family.
Beth & Elissa Womack,Jack Sheets, Nick and C.J. Carfagna
From : Frank, Kathy, Virginia And Cam Taylor
To : MaryJean and all of your family
Date: March 27th 2008
All of our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Buzz was a fine man blessed with a wonderful, loving family. His work and interest in Six Pence and all his employees was caring and remarkable. We thank you for the 21 years Frank worked at Cockerell's Resturant. Our prayers are with you.
Frank, Kathy, Virginia and Cam Taylor
From : Paul, Greg, and Kelly Goodale
To : MaryJean and Family
Date: March 27th 2008
Many years have passed but the memories we have of the quality times we spent with Buzz, you and the kids will always be special.He was a very special friend, a loving husband and a great family man. We have you and your family in our prayers.We send our love.
From : Chuck List (Acting president, Buzzard Club)
To : Mary Jean and family
Date: March 27th 2008
On behalf of all the officers and members we are very sorry to hear the news of such a wonderful man as Buzz. He will be remembered in our prayers at every Buzzard meeting in which he was the founder. Our prayers go with you Mary Jean and your family. He was a true Gentleman.
Chuck List, Acting president, Buzzard's Club of Westerville
From : John and Susan Biskner
To : MaryJean and Family
Date: March 27th 2008
We will miss Buzz very much. You and your family are very special to us and we will always be here for you.....We love you and are praying for you.
From : The Chaney Family
To : Jeff, Mary Ann, Nicole and Joe
Date: March 27th 2008
So sorry about your dad's passing. I know he was a very positive influence in your family and I know you will miss him dearly. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Cathy, Chet, Nick and Ali Chaney
From : Neighbors Bert and Kathleen Stohrer
To : Mary Jeann and Family
Date: March 28th 2008
Bert and I are so sorry to hear of Buzz's passing. Our heartfelt prayers go out to you. We so enjoyed having him and your lovely granddaughter stop in one day to enjoy the clubhouse. We know you have many wonderful memories and that Buzz is sadly missed by a lovely and loving family. Again, you are in our prayers: May all of God's comfort at this time by yours.
From : Joan & Matthew Hittinger & Mille Griffith
To : MaryJean, Marsha, Jeff and family
Date: March 28th 2008
We are just devestaed by the news of Buzz's passing. He was such a wonderful caring man and he has always been so good to my Mom, Mille. Our hearts are with you and know we love you and will be praying for all of you.
From : Don Spangler, Realtor
To : The Cockrell Family
Date: March 28th 2008
I first met Buzz at "JimChucks" when I was a kid growing up -- I asked why they called it a "Buzz Burger"? I later frequented Cockrell's in Westerville, I knew him as a fellow Realtor and I always enjoyed his conversations and ideas. I always felt he was a very fine gentleman. He will be missed by you the family and the central Ohio area also loses a friend.
From : Auggie and Donna and Family
To : Mary Jean and Family
Date: March 28th 2008
Our love and prayers are with you at this time. We have cherished memories of Buzz we keep with us. Remember the days at the pancake breakfast and all the fun times. Love Auggie, Donna and Family
From : Lynette ( Cockrell) Elward
To : The Cockerell Family
Date: March 28th 2008
I was so saddened to read about Buzzy in the paper. I always loved to talk to him-he never made me feel like a stranger. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in knowing he is in God's hands now.
From : Chris McClain
To : The Cockerell Family
Date: March 28th 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to you.
From : Ann and Don Champney
To : Mary Jean and Family
Date: March 28th 2008
Buzz was a pleasure to be around, since he had such a great outlook on life. We are all better off for having been his friend. Our condolences to Mary Jean and your family.
Ann and Don Champney
From : Nanci (Tharp) Hoertt
To : Mary Jean and family
Date: March 29th 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Buzz. He touched a lot of lives in a special way. He was a great friend to my dad (and mom) and I always enjoyed his company. He will be missed by many. Love and prayers to you all.
From : Don E. Breth
To : Marsha and family
Date: March 29th 2008
Marsha, so sorry for your loss. The Breth family sends our condolences.
From : Ron Vance
To : The Cockerell Family
Date: March 29th 2008
Buzz will always be remembered fondly by me. I rented an apartment from him soon after I was married. Buzz, knowing we had virtually nothing, found it in his heart to give nice Christmas decorations to me and my wife for our second holiday together. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, he was such a sweet man.
My thoughts and prayers to the Cockerell Family.
From : Kaitlyn Wolfe
To : Mr & Mrs Michael Cockerell, Ashlie,Bella,& Mikey
Date: March 29th 2008
My Family and I are very sorry about the loss of a beloved father & grandfather. Although I knew him for only a short amount of time I found him to be a fun spirted man who lit up a room as soon as he walked into it. My prayers are with you as well as your entire family.
I Love all of You..
From : Lee Korb-Davy
To : The Cockerell family
Date: March 29th 2008
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Cockerell will always hold a special place in my heart because he was the the first person to hire me as a waitress at Cockerell's Restaurant. He was a wonderful mentor and friend. I will always remember the wonderful experiences I had working for him. I am so sorry for your loss.
From : Bud and Lee Anne Lindstrum
To : Mary Jean and the Cockerell Family
Date: March 29th 2008
Lee Anne and I have very heavy hearts at this time with the loss of a dear dear friend and classmte. It was not alays easy to get together with Buzz, with his wonderful loving family and multitude of friends, but the times we spent together will always be remembered as priceless. His love, friendship and consideration will be with us forever. We will endear those moments forever and there will always be a Buzz Cockerell in our hearts.
As the pillow reads "Friends we are, friends we'll be, friends forever, you and me."
We send our love and prayers to all the family
From : Jim and Bea Smith
To : Mary Jean and Family
Date: March 29th 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. Buzz was such a wonderful person and along with Mary Jean made us feel so at ease when we were visiting with Marge Cummins. You were both so caring and loving with us the first time we met and over the years when we got to know you better. You have such a loving a family and provided an example for all of us. Again we send our sympathy and love to all of you.
Jim and Bea Smith
From : Richard Tippie
To : Mary Jean
Date: March 29th 2008
Although I have not been in touch with Buzz for years,I remember him from his Chillicothe years.He had a great sense of humor and was always fun to be around.My sincere condolences go to his family and all of his many friends.
Sincerely,
Richard Tippie
From : Bob & Marilyn Abruzzi
To : The Cockerell Families
Date: March 29th 2008
Our prayers and sympathies to the Mary Jean, Jeff, and all the family and friends of Buzz Cockerell. We have many fond memories of such wonderful people.
From : Mark and Cindy ( Cockrell ) Slaughter
To : MaryJean and family
Date: March 29th 2008
We were so sorry to read about Buzz. I always enjoyed talking with you both at family reunions.I know mom and dad (Calvin and Viola) always enjoyed seeing you also. You always took time to come to Chillicothe and visit. Our prayers are with you and your family. We will miss him, his friendly face and wonderful smile.
From : Jennifer Dixon
To : The Cockerell Family
Date: March 29th 2008
I met Buzz as a "Buzzard", a landlord, a realtor, a grandfather, and a mentor. I feel very blessed to have known him and for the invaluable things that he taught me. My thoughts are with your family.
From : annamaria pagani
To : family of mary jean cockerell
Date: March 30th 2008
no one can ever replace you...i dont know how i am going to survive...i always used to call you...i miss your smile...why did u have to go? who am i goin to look to to make sure everything will be ok? when will i be able to call someone grandpa again since both of you left me? how come i am so lonely? i will never stop crying about you....i miss my mom telling me to go say hi to you....i miss your laugh...your smile...your humor...i miss you. just know one thing...no one can and will ever replace you..i mis you hugging me and telling me everything is going to be okay..why couldn't God give you another chance? i just dont understand why he had to take both of my grandfathers..when i touched you in your coffin, you were so cold..lifeless..deserted. so many people came to pay respect..you were an awesome man..i guess i'll never know why God took you. i'll never forget you..i love you so much
-annamaria pagani [grandaugher]
From : Chris Michailidis
To : Mary Jean and the Cockerell
Date: March 30th 2008
Dear Mary Jean, Gina, Mike, Marsha, Jeff and families. My condolences go out to all of you on the loss of Jim. Another "great one" has left us. His smile will be missed. I think about his sense of humor, his stories that he shared will me and all of us. I remember all the times we sat together with all of you and shared great times and memories. A gentlemen and full of life he will truly be missed by me and my family. I have lost a good friend. But now at least he finally is with my other old friend Angelo. My prayers and thoughts go to all of you to be strong. God Bless.
From : Alice and Chuck Ware
To : The Cockerell Family
Date: March 30th 2008
I was priveleged that to have the opportunity to talk with "Buzz" through the years, as he came back to his hometown to pay condolences to others. He was a wonderful man, and Alice remembers how well-liked he was during his years at CHS. The many loving condolences ahead of this one are a testimony to his success, good character and love for family and friends during the years following. You have our deepest sympathy.
From : Joe and Joyce Fleury
To : Gina, Mike and Marsha and Families
Date: March 30th 2008
We are currently in South Carolina visiting our son, daughter, and two grandchilden. We will not be home until Monday evening. Therefore we are not able to come to the viewing or the funeral. Want you to know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We remember seeing him at Cockerell's Restaurant in Westerville before I met Marsha when the boys attended St. Matthew School. My father was proud wearer of an "Old Buzzards Club" hat.
Please be assured that he will always "live" in your memories and heart.
From : Vernon & Sharon Viar
To : Mary Jean, Marsha, Jeff, Michael & Gina
Date: March 30th 2008
Buzz will be truly missed. I just wish we could have had more get togethers with the family and kept in touch much better than we have.
Remember we love you and think of all of you often.
Love,
Vernon & Sharon (cousin)
From : Dorvan Vernia and Todd Bosstic
To : To The Cockerell Family
Date: March 30th 2008
All of our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Buzz will be missed,but he has rejoined Family that has went before him with a Big family Reunion In a better place. Hope to see you all soon Love You. May God Bless You All.
From : Karen Stainer
To : cockerell family
Date: March 31st 2008
So sorry to hear about Buzz.. My thoughts and
Prayers are with you..We always had good times
at the restaurant.
Karen
From : Jim, Deb and Ben Coder
To : Mary Jean, Marsha, Jeff, Gina, Mike, Pauline
Date: March 31st 2008
Dear Aunt Mary Jean, Marsha, Jeff, Gina, Mike and Aunt Pauline
We are so sad to hear of Uncle Buzz's sudden passing. I still remember and relate the story of how Uncle Buzz made me "the world famous Jim Chuck's Peanut Butter Burger" and how it quickly became my favorite hamburger while visiting Jim-Chucks that one Saturday as a kid. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
From : Walter and Lois (Fassbender) Reiner
To : The Cockerell Family
Date: April 1st 2008
We were saddened to read about the passing of Buzz. He once lived across from Minerva Park. When he was Mayor, he spent many hours working for the village of Minerva Park and dedicated much time to serving the community. We wish more people could be like "Buzz." He had the entrepreneurial spirit. Lois knew his daughter, Marsha, at Ohio Dominion. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
From : Rita Kern
To : All
Date: April 1st 2008
Dear MaryJean, Marcia, Jeff, GinaMarie, Michael and Virginia:
I was so shocked to see Buzz's obituary in the paper today, as I wasn't
aware he had been ill. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I can still remember your Dad from your visits with Aunt Dee Dee in
Chillicothe. He had such a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile.
I would like to extend our deepest sympathy from all the "Senff Clan" and
pray that the sorrow you feel now will be eased soon by all the wonderful
memories you have of Buzz.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!
Love,
Rita, Kenny & Kelly Kern & Willard Senff
Neal, Kathy, Erin & Sarah Senff
Donna & Glenn Lounsbury
Ruth Ann,Richard & Meredith Wiemer
From : Terri Robinson
To : Mary Jean
Date: April 3rd 2008
Mary Jean, Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers at this time. I think of your family often, Love Terri, Jim, Tiffany, Brooklyn
From : Rita (Palermini) Bando
To : The Cockerell Family
Date: April 8th 2008
My heart goes out to your entire family. Please know that I would have been at the services but only just learned of his passing. He was a wonderful person with a heart of gold. I still think back and smile about some of the times we had. Your family is always in my thoughts. You are such a good family. Marsha,I moved a while back, would love to hear from you, (614-846-1505). Love Rita
From : Dan
To : The family
Date: April 17th 2012
I worked for Buzz when I was in HS in the 80's; just learned he passed....I am so sorry to hear this; he was such as good person