Cox, who led the staff of the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and founded the University City Swim Club, died last week at Bryn Mawr Hospital from complications caused by diabetes.
James CoxWith an older brother serving in the military during World War II, Cox entered Valley Forge Military Academy, Class of 1944, with the idea of receiving an appointment to West Point. Unable to do so, he went instead to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., arriving in 1945 as the war ended. Three years later, he transferred to Ursinus College in Collegetown, Pa. -- about 30 miles west of Philadelphia -- to prepare for medical school.
At Ursinus, Cox was captain of the 1949 wrestling team. That year, he was the 142-pound titlewinner at the Mid-Atlantic Conference championships and was named the conference's Outstanding Wrestler. Cox crafted an undefeated record at Ursinus. He later competed at the Olympic wrestling trials. Cox was later inducted into the Ursinus College Hall of Fame in 2002.
In 1949, Cox graduated from Ursinus and became a medical student at what today is the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. While there he met his future wife Nancy Christie. The two married in 1953, the year he graduated.
Cox spent many years as chief of staff and president of the staff at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital. One of his sons, Lee, now an assistant wrestling coach at Ursinus, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that his father chose to work with some of the hardest-to-reach patients, especially juveniles diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoia, or depression.
In addition to his medical work, James Cox was a driving force in getting the University City Swim Club -- an integrated facility -- built in Philadelphia in the mid-1960s, and was ardent supporter of BalletX, a venture launched by his daughter Christine.
In addition to his son Lee and daughter Christine, Cox is survived by daughters Linda and Barbara; son Eric; a brother; a sister; and eight grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday, Sept 22.
Contributions may be made in memory of Dr. James L.D. Cox to BalletX, 265 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19107 or submitted online at balletx.org/donate.
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