James Michael Cox, 61, of Clinton passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. James was born on January 13, 1960 and was a lifelong resident of Clinton, TN. He had a unique gift of making everyone feel like family and therefore, never met a stranger. As the founder of Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue, James turned his passion for animals into an experience that promoted education, celebrated family and community, and provided a forever home for many abandoned and forgotten animals. James was preceded in death by his father, Lester Cox and son, Brandon Cox. He is survived by his mother, Loretta Cox; brother, Steve Cox; children: Tiffany Wade (Bruce), Tim Cox, Brittany Daniel (Jason), Cade Cox, and Corbin Cox; special friend and partner, Mary Lou Redmond and daughter Madison; grandchildren: Alexis Wade, Gracie Wade, Delaney Wade, Miley Wade, Bryce Wade, Callie Cox, Caelyn Cox, Kylee Daniel, and Jayden Daniel; niece, Chandler Cox; aunts, Lois Bray and Joyce Jarnigan; several cousins and many close friends. Friends are invited to attend an outdoor memorial service at the Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue on Saturday, February 13th from 12:00pm - 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor the legacy and lifework of James through a memorial donation to the Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue at 629 Granite Rd, Clinton, TN 37716 or via the website at www.littleponderosazoo.com .