February 17, 2026, 76, Goldsboro – James Rodgers Cobb Jr., 76, of Goldsboro passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026 at noon in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. Interment with military honors will follow at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at the funeral home.
James Rodgers Cobb Jr., affectionately known as “Jimmy,” was born on July 8, 1949, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to Ruth Cobb and the late James Rodgers Cobb Sr. He was the oldest of six children.
James attended West Side High School and later graduated from Newark Tech in Newark, New Jersey. He proudly served his country by enlisting in the Navy Reserves and later in the United States Army. During his military service, he earned the National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Good Conduct Medal, and achieved Expert Rifle status (M-16 & M-14). He was also a proud Vietnam Veteran.
Following his military service, James built a long and respected career as a Mechanical Engineer, working at Case Farms and Franklin Bakery for more than two decades before retiring. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and often said they were what kept him going. He could often be found outside, enjoying whatever weather the day brought, while grilling his family’s favorite dishes. James was a devoted family man whose presence, strength, and love will be deeply missed.
James was preceded in death by his father, James Rodgers Cobb Sr.; his brother, Donald Ray Cobb; and his sisters, Dorothy Jean Cobb and Delores Merritt.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Ruth Cobb; his brother, Nazareth Cobb (Bridget Cobb); and his sister, Maelene Cobb; his three sons, James Rodgers Prioleau-Cobb (Takeisha Prioleau), Rodgers James Prioleau-Cobb, and Mark Cobb; his three daughters, Toneshia Cobb, Exzora Cobb, and Jamika Cobb; his 12 grandchildren, Brandi, Amir, Jaheim, Khalil, Ja’Shawn, Jah-el, Amiah, Mark Jr., Markel, Travis Jr., Ammar, and Brayden; his 5 great-grandchildren, Bailee, Nyla, Milan, Bella, and Ky’Aire; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
