Wednesday, October 4, 2017

James McCobb | Jan. 25, 1928–April 26, 2017

James E. McCobb, 89, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marilyn (Mack) McCobb; 6 children; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, colleagues, and many dear friends. He is pre-deceased by his son Thomas McCobb and sister Elizabeth Lazzaro.

A former methodist minister James went on to 50-year career as an attorney. He was a Mazama, an avid hiker and outdoorsman, and also wrote and self-published several books of poetry. He was an active member of Rotary International.

His wife recently sent the Mazamas a letter notifying us of Jim's death and enclosed a poem he wrote about climbing the South Sister, printed here.

Shake the Dust

You will remember the songs of waterfalls
as the trail switchbacks into the forest.
The twists and turns will seem familiar,
as you listen to the river.

The roots and stones beneath your feet
will remind you I cherished waterfalls,
the splendid tress, the paintrush
in the clearing across the bridge —
the rough log that troubled balance.

When at day's end you remove your boots,
from aching feet, you will remember
how one autumn day I made the rough ascent,
sat beside the pool at altitude,
then reached the rugged summit.

You will remember I was there before you,
how I loved the roar of waterfalls,
the distant view along the ridges
scanning westard to the Pacific.
—Jim McCobb

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