GEORGE JAMES COX

THE LATE MR. G. J. COX.

It is melancholy when a career which had in it the elements of great promise, should be terminated ere the prime of life has been reached. In the case of Mr. G. J. Cox his sun went down at mid-day for he was comparatively young, being in his 43rd year. His force of character had, however, enabled him to make a position in life, having filled several public appointments, and being prominently identified with several town institutions.

The announcement last week in these columns of his serious illness came as a surprise to many, and now his death, which occurred early on Saturday morning, has evoked sincere expressions of sympathy with his bereaved widow and family. Happily the children, two sons and two daughters, have reached an age when they can be self-reliant, and the son, Mr. Horace Cox, has been so intimately associated with his father in the discharge of his duties, that It is to be hoped he may be allowed to succeed to the appointments.

Mr. Cox began life in the office of Mr. G. J. Cosburn, of the Market-place, and early displayed abilities and business-like capacities which in later years enabled him to take positions of trust and responsibility. As Mr. Cosburn's deputy, he had the opportunity of obtaining an acquaintance with public life, reporting public gatherings, and other duties, which proved of great service in after life. But although the journalistic life had many attractions for him, and for which he gave evidence of much fitness, Mr. Cox was destined for a career of another character. Securing public appointments he made them his source of income. He was School Attendance Officer for the Borough of Newbury for a period of fourteen years, also Assistant Overseer for the parishes of Speen and Newtown, and in this capacity clerk to the respective Parish Councils and collector of rates. He discharged his duties in a manner which always received the approbation of his parochial employers.

In addition, Mr. Cox was secretary of the Shaw Kiln's Company. He was a most enthusiastic Volunteer, being one of the senior members of the Newbury Company, with the fortunes of which he had always been prominently identified. He had been a member for twenty-two years, and was awarded the medal for long service. He had attained to the rank of sergeant, and was always recognised by the officers as a smart and soldierly volunteer. He was a first-rate shot, and won many handsome prizes at the annual prize meetings.

He was an active member of the old Newbury Gymnasium, and took a keen interest in athletics.

Mr. Cox was the District Agent of the National Deposit Friendly Society. Of a genial disposition, able to sing song or tell a good story, Mr. Cox was always a welcome addition to any social gathering, and his death is lamented by a numerous circle of friends.

The funeral took place at the Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. A military funeral had been offered, but the friends of the deceased wished that the interment might be strictly private. The mourners were therefore confined to the family or personal friends, namely, Mrs. Cox (widow), Mr. Horace Cox and Mr. Frank Cox (sons), Miss Cox and Miss B. Cox (daughters). Mr. Smallbone, of Broxbourne; Mr. Barnard, of Reading; and Mr. G. J. Cosburn. The coffin was of polished oak with brass fittings, and was inscribed -

GEORGE JAMES COX.

Died September 19. 1896

Aged 42 years.

There were a number of floral tributes of respect and condolence almost covering the coffin, wreaths being sent by " Wife and children," etc.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. H. S. Hanington.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 24 September 1896