James Cox, manager of the Porter Block, was born in the county of Tipperary, Ireland, February 4, 1833, a son of Henry and Mary (Evans) Cox, both natives of the Emerald isle. The father died when James was a lad of ten years and the mother afterward joined her son in the United States, dying in Michigan at the age of eighty-four. James Cox remained in the country of his nativity until nineteen, when, thinking to better his condition in a country which held out greater inducement to young men than Ireland, he came to the United States, locating first in New York, where he remained from June, 1852, until November, 1855, engaged in farm work in Saratoga county. In the fall of 1855 he came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and in the spring following located in Paris township, where he has been ever since resided. In 1855 to 1859 Mr. Cox worked as a farm hand, but in the latter year purchased a small farm, which he greatly improved, erecting thereon a dwelling which he has occupied for forty years. He was married in Saratoga county, N. Y. at the ceremony. After forty-three years of happily wedded life, Mrs. Cox passed to her final rest, February 1, 1899, at the age of sixty-five years. Eight children were born to their union, five of whom are living. The names of the children are as follows: Mary, wife of M. T. McNamara; Edward died in California at the age of forty years; James died at home aged thirty-five; Matilda died at the age ten; Henry J. lives at home, has been blind from childhood, result of scarlet fever in his infancy; is a graduate of the Blind School of Flint, Mich.; Anne E., wife of Thomas F. Morris, of Waterford, N. Y.; William, a bookkeeper of this city; and Catherine H., who lives at home and manages her father’s household. She is a graduate of the parochial schools of Grand Rapids, as were also his other daughters and sons were given the best educational advantage obtained. Mr. Cox followed the profession of teaching for over twenty-five years in Kent county, his frequent retention for several consecutive terms in the same place speaking well for his ability as an instructor. While engaged in educational work, he made a specialty of mathematics, and has now in his possession a large volume of difficult problems arising from his work, which he exhibits with great pride. As a mathematician he had few equals, and it is still his delight to unravel and solve difficult and abstruse problems. For a number of years was actively identified with agricultural societies and served as secretary of the Kent county and West Michigan associations, in the deliberations of which he took a prominent part. He has always been interested in fairs, agricultural exhibits, live stock, etc., and for a period of about thirty years has given such matters intelligent attention. In October, 1881, Mr. Cox accepted the management of the Porter block in Grand Rapids, and since that time has had entire control, managing the large property with ability and fidelity, giving it the same attention as if he were the real owner. He has also collected and disbursed funds belonging to the estate of the late Lewis Porter, amounting to $300,000, a proof of his superior business ability. Mr. Cox is an active member of St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic church and for a period of sixteen years has served as a member of its board of trustees. He has been identified with the C. M. B. A. since its organization, May 1, 1881, and has filled several official positions in the Politically, Mr. Cox is a democrat, but formerly supported what is known as the greenback ticket. In 1876 he was the greenback candidate for county clerk, and while running 400 votes ahead of the ticket failed of election by reason of the combined opposition of the other parties that year. Personally, Mr. Cox is a genial, whole-souled gentlemen, whose acquaintance it is a pleasure to make, he is popular with all, and his company is eagerly sought by old and young alike. Although past life’s meridian, he has still the elastic step and rosy face of youth and bids fair to live many more years.