In memoriam: James H. “Jimmy” Cochrane ’84, namesake of Cochrane Hall

Devoted Hokie and historian James H. “Jimmy” Cochrane ’84 unexpectedly passed on Oct. 24.  

He was the ultimate Tech fan, rarely missing a Hokie football or basketball game. If he wasn’t wearing orange or maroon, Cochrane might be found in Civil War Battalion attire or a Scottish kilt. He will be deeply missed around campus and the New River Valley.

Cochrane, who earned a degree in architecture from what is now the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, was a generous donor to his alma mater. In 1988, Cochrane Hall was named in his honor. He was a member of the President’s Circle, the highest level within the Ut Prosim Society of extraordinary generous supporters of Virginia Tech. Cochrane was also a member of the Legacy Society of future support donors.

Cochrane served on the boards of the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund, Museum of the Confederacy, and American Frontier Culture Museum. He helped found Tech’s chapter of Kappa Alpha Order and was elected to the fraternity’s S.Z. Ammen Province Court of Honor.

Read his full obituary online.