James Corbin Cochran

James Corbin Cochran, known to those closest to him as Jim, lived every day of his 41 years demonstrating a kindness, gentleness and a selflessness that has become too rare in this world. He was an original in every sense of the word. The lifelong Arvada resident was a problem solver by trade. Working for Envision Healthcare, he exceled in and enjoyed troubleshooting technological issues for health care professionals nationwide, sometimes in life-and-death situations. But his career didn't define him. For Jim, family was everything. He loved his family immensely, but found his most fulfillment in being a dad — an amazing dad. Sarah, Noah and his youngest and namesake, James Bennett ""Benny,"" brought him immense joy. He was happiest when he was reading Harry Potter to Sarah before bed, flying Noah like an airplane, or singing the Super Mario Brothers' theme song to make Benny laugh. His appreciation for family was instilled in him through the solid role models he had in his parents, James Walter and Vicki Cochran, and the influence of younger brothers Tim and Casey. In talking about his childhood, his mother would say simply, ""He was just a good kid."" He was the baby that didn't cry, the boy who never got in trouble, and the teenager who made them proud. And he grew into a man who always put others first. Always. Jim had a vivid imagination and a fondness for the fantasy realm, and his brothers fondly recall exploring that through re-enacting movies like ""Neverending Story"" and ""The Labyrinth,"" or playing Dungeons and Dragons. This unshakeable trio knew how to have fun, whether jumping off the roof of the backyard shed (somehow not negating his mother's good boy comment above) or tying on some King Soopers bags as wrestling onesies and rough housing how boys tend to do. Jean Ortiz was the lucky one to win the affections of such a kind soul, who selflessly stepped up to take in her son as his own. They enjoyed the little things, like catching a little ""Lost"" after getting the kids to bed, debating pop vs. soda, and joking about some element of sports or pop culture that had somehow precluded Jim. He would tell her he loved her endlessly and she would say she was the lucky one for falling so deeply in love with her best friend. Jim was unexpectedly and tragically taken from us on Friday, September 2, 2016. But his goodness will live on in his children, as well as the countless lives he touched. Jim is survived by his fiancé, Jean Ortiz; his children, Sarah, Noah and James Bennett ""Benny""; mother, Vicki; brothers, Tim (Jenilee) and Casey (Bobbie); niece and nephews, Delaney, Liam, Corbin; his beloved Papaw and many friends. There will be a celebration of Jim's life on Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 6:00-7:30pm at Horan and McConaty, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada. Please share your memories of Jim and condolences with his family by signing the Guestbook below.