Cindy James Cookson

Cindy James Cookson, 66 of Portsmouth, died Saturday July 10, 2021 at Southern Ohio Medical Center. She was born January 17, 1955 in Portsmouth to the late Harry Roscoe James and Wilma Crum James (94) who survives.  

Along with her father, she was preceded in death by her husband James R. Cookson Jr., her maternal grandparents and her paternal grandparents, father-in-law and mother-in-law. 

Cindy was a graduate of Portsmouth West High School, where she was active in the band and played Claranet. She received her Bachelor’s in Education from Ohio University. She was a teacher for over 30 years with the Portsmouth City School System, before that she taught at Happy Hearts, which is now Vern Riffe School., She taught special education and loved making a difference in the lives of others. She was active in her church, Second Presbyterian Church. She played in the Hand Bell Choir, was active in the women’s association, the Deacon’s and was often called upon to usher, head count or help out in other ways.  

Along with her mother Wilma of West Portsmouth, Cindy is survived by a daughter Kristin Jayne Cookson-Peterson, son-in-law, Justin Mathew Peterson, both of Huntington, 3 brothers; Harry “Skip” James Jr. , Steven (Kelly) James and Carl James, 2 sisters–in–law and brother-in–law; Sandra and Doug Gates and Catherine Alexander, 3 nephews; Stephen Gates, Sam and Jeffery James, 3 nieces; Carrie Gates, Jessica and Rachel James, a great niece and nephew Ella and Ezra Hall.  

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Thursday July 15, 2021 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Reverend Allison Bauer officiating and interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the Funeral home on Thursday starting at 11:00 AM. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Harry R. James Scholarship Fund or the Second Presbyterian Special Music Fund. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.