James Allen Cogdell

JAMES ALLEN COGDELL, 86, of Little Rock passed away on May 12, 2017. He was born in Tulsa, Okla., on May 20, 1930. He was raised by his grandparents, Fran and Zoe Hallman in Mineral Springs, Ark. and graduated from Mineral Springs High School. Jim put himself through LRU (UALR) while working for Arkansas Power and Light Co. (Entergy). He then began his colorful car career starting at Bale Chevrolet in 1962. From there he moved to Tait-Coppess Motors and was Sales Manager at Toyota of Jacksonville. He was offered a Toyota dealership in 1972, but decided to go into business for himself and opened Jim Cogdell's on South University. Over the years he developed an excellent reputation in the sales, collection and restoration of classic cars. He owned many "designer" cars including Ferrari, Rolls Royce and Bentley. At his place of business on Cantrell Rd., hung a sign which advertised "UN authorized Mercedes Dealer". Being the consummate salesman, Jim joined Lasater and Company in 1984 and was a successful bond salesman until his retirement from Union Planters Investment Banking Group. During this time, he maintained his car restoration business. He fondly recalled selling a fleet of classic cars for over $1,000,000 over the telephone due to his many dealer connections all over the world. In his later years, he continued to buy and sell cars as a hobby as he "loved the deal". His is survived by his four children, James "Jimmy" Cogdell of Columbus, Ohio; Catherine Cogdell Brown (Danny) of Bryant, Ark; David Cogdell and Connie Cogdell Couch of Little Rock, Ark. Also surviving him are four grandchildren: Jon Huff, Joshua Huff, Lara Thomas (Lance), Anna Huff (Teresa) and great-grandchild, Elliot Thomas. Memorials may be made to St. Vincent Infirmary Foundation, #2 Saint Vincent Circle, Little Rock, Ark. 72205, St. James United Methodist Church 321 Pleasant Valley Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72212 or a favorite charity. Funeral Services will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 at Little Rock Funeral Home. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. James' online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.