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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LATE LIEUTENANT JAMES ODELL COCHRAN OF THE CONWAY POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FORCE AND TO HIS SURROUNDING COMMUNITY AND TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS.
Whereas, it is with profound sadness that the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives remember Lieutenant James Odell Cochran, who passed on March 5, 2020, at the age of sixty-five; and
Whereas, born on June 6, 1954 in Conway, Odell was the son of Betty Ransom and the late Nile Davis. He grew up in the Cochran Community with his mother, his stepfather, his grandmother, and his five siblings. Educated in the local public schools, Odell graduated from Conway High School in 1973. He attempted to pursue various career fields before he found his true calling in law enforcement; and
Whereas, Lt. Cochran joined the Conway Police Department in 1978. Incredibly, after only a year on the job, he was recognized for outstanding service and was named Police Officer of the Year. With his exemplary enthusiasm for the job, he was promoted three times throughout his career, first to corporal in 1978, then to sergeant in 1990, and finally to lieutenant in 1997. After twenty-five dedicated and diligent years on the force, Lt. Cochran retired in 2003 after twenty-five years of service. Unable to leave the job behind indefinitely, however, Lt. Cochran returned to the department for thirteen additional years as a community service officer; and
Whereas, a hard worker with many interests, Odell engaged in other vocations besides law enforcement. He was also a professional painter, working with Norwood Steele, a fellow officer who trained him when first beginning his career in law enforcement. After his retirement from the police department he worked at Benton Concrete and Utilities where he developed a lasting and lifelong friendship with Keith Benton. In addition to painting, he also worked at Britton's Landscaping with his friend John Britton, a detective who worked for the Conway Police Department. Regardless of the work asked of him, he always took pride in each task and performed to the best of his ability; and
Whereas, a gentleman with a true love for his community and those who lived in it, Odell served on the board of the Housing Authority and worked industriously to create a safer environment for all. He was a supporter of Camp Great, a program held at the Smith Jones Recreation Center. He encouraged youth participation and often provided transportation for those who required it. A true role model, he took the time to talk with young people and guide and advise them as well as he could; and
Whereas, Odell touched the lives of many, both close friends and those in his community. He'll be remembered as a skilled cook, entertaining friends and family at barbeques, and for his indelible and unforgettable smile. He loved his home city of Conway, he loved his community, and he loved his family. The father of three wonderful children, and a caring brother, his memory will be cherished by his family and he will be missed by all who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing him; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives recognizes Lt. James Odell Cochran as a true and honorable public servant, a person of extraordinary values, and a gentleman of exemplary and infallible character. The members wish to express their great sorrow at his untimely loss. This great State and its communities depend, in great measure upon individuals like Lt. Cochran, who go above and beyond to inspire others. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the late Lieutenant James Odell Cochran of the Conway Police Department for his outstanding service to the force and to his surrounding community and to celebrate his life and achievements.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Lieutenant James Odell Cochran.
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