Richard Wesley Cox, Jr.

Richard Wesley Cox, Jr., 82, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2006 in Sandpoint, Idaho. Services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel, 109 N. Division St., Sandpoint, Idaho with Father Dennis C. Day from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church officiating. Wes was born on August 27, 1924 in Wood River, Nebraska the son of Richard Wesley and Oca (Ooley) Cox. Following high school Wes joined the military in 1943, serving with the U.S. Navy. His boot camp was served at Farragut Naval Base in Bayview, Idaho and his radio school in Memphis, Tn. He was a radio operator and electronics technician having served in both the Pacific and European Theatres during World War II. He was shot down in Tokyo Bay during W.W. II and taken prisoner to Japan. His most memorable commendation was a personal letter from President Harry S. Truman after his release from the P.O.W. camp in Japan. It reads as follows: 11 December 1945 Dear Richard Wesley Cox, Jr., It gives me special pleasure to welcome you back to your native shores, and to express, on behalf of the people of the United States, the joy we feel at your deliverance from the hands of the enemy. It is a source of profound satisfaction that our efforts to accomplish your return have been successful. You have fought valiantly and have suffered greatly. As your Commander in Chief, I take pride in your past achievements and express the thanks of a grateful Nation for your services in combat and your steadfastness while a prisoner of war. May God grant you happiness and a successful future. Harry S. Truman Over his 26 years of Active Navy Duty Wes saw duty during World War II, the Berlin Airlift, Korean Conflict and Vietnam, where he became Chief. He was awarded many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, P.O.W. Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, Berlin Airlift Medal, many Good Conduct Medals, plus other awards and citations. Wes retired from Military duty in July 1969 and went to work for Varian Associates in Palo Alto, Ca. as a service Rep. for 15 years and retiring to Idaho in 1984. Wes married Elaine Miller on March 15, 1985 in Sandpoint, Idaho. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and horseback riding. He is survived by his wife Elaine of Sandpoint. Her children Gary Miller, Michael Miller, and Christopher Miller. Six grandchildren Richard Miller, Trevor Miller, Lucas Miller, Clint Miller, Makenzie Miller and Samantha Miller. Two step-children by a previous marriage Sandra Woodruff and Ricky Kilgore. He is also survived by his sister Betty Strand and his nieces and nephews. His parents, a sister Bert and his brother Bob Cox, preceded Wes in death. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to: D.A.V. % Ross Jackman, Commander, 211 S. Lincoln Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho 83864.