Judge Emmett "Rip" Cox

Emmett Ripley Cox, a Federal Circuit Court of Appeals judge living in Daphne died on March 3, 2021. He was 86. Judge Cox, known to his family and friends as "Rip" was born in Cottonwood, Alabama on February 13, 1935. He grew up in Cottonwood and nearby Luverne under the care of his paternal grandmother Lillian Caldwell Cox. Judge Cox received a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama in 1957, and his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1959. He was President of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and he earned membership into the Order of the Coif during law school. Judge Cox practiced law in Birmingham from 1959-1964, then moved to Mobile to be with Ann Haas, whom he married in 1964. Judge & Mrs. Cox started their family in midtown Mobile while he practiced law with several downtown firms. He co-founded the firm that became Nettles, Cox & Barker. Judge Cox primarily engaged in insurance litigation and counseling local businesses. Judge Cox served in the Alabama National Guard from 1958 to 1964. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Cox to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and served until 1987 when President Reagan elevated him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, which covers Alabama, Florida & Georgia. Judge Cox was an active appeals court judge for more than 17 years, only taking inactive status on his 80th birthday. During his time as a Federal judge, Judge Cox mentored more than sixty-five law clerks, many of whom have gone on to successful law practice, judgeships, and professorships. Judge Cox participated on the Defender Services Committee of the Federal Judiciary for many years, serving as the chair at one point. Judge Cox was a visiting professor at the University of Alabama School of Law for several semesters where he taught "Survey of Federal Jurisdiction." Judge Cox was very active in his churches over the years. When residing in Mobile, he served as an usher and vestry warden at Trinity Episcopal Church on Dauphin Street. As Junior Warden and Property Chair, he led the effort to replace the church's steeple damaged by Hurricane Frederic in 1979. After moving to Baldwin County, he was equally active at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne where he was a member of the choir for many years. He was also a past member of the Point Clear Rotary Club. The judge's wife Ann traveled with him around the Eleventh Circuit with frequent court sessions taking place in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Miami, Birmingham, and Montgomery. Judge & Mrs. Cox owned a condominium in Alexandra, Virginia for more than a decade, visiting many times each year to be near their children and grandchildren, and to enjoy the culture of the Washington, D.C. area. Judge and Mrs. Cox moved to Baldwin County in 1990, living in Daphne and Fairhope. Judge Cox's interests included sailing on Mobile Bay on his boats, Adjourned and Belle Aventure. He was an avid reader, with a particular interest in studies of British leader Winston Churchill. He was also a photographer and gardener. Rip Cox's wife of 54 years, Ann Haas Cox, predeceased him on March 17, 2018. He is survived by a brother Kenneth W. Cox of Troy, Alabama, a son, John H. Cox of McLean, Virginia, married to Francessa, and a daughter, Catherine C. Jouet of Alexandria, Virginia, married to Jason, and five grandchildren. The family of Emmett R. "Rip" Cox is planning a Celebration of Life on April 30, 2021 at 11:00am. The service will be held at St Paul's Eastern Shore in Daphne, Alabama. The service will be LIVE STREAMED and out of town family and friends are encouraged to participate from home. Per the Episcopal Church Diocese COVID 19 restrictions, the service is limited to 100 people. Travel from other areas to attend the service is discouraged by the church out of caution for the family and the congregation. Local friends and family will need to RSVP to the church office by telephone or email: officestpaulsdaphne@gmail.com or 251-626-2421 The link to the live streamed event will be posted on the St. Paul's website and Facebook page. http://stpaulseasternshore.com/ https://www.facebook.com/officestpaulsdaphne In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions to be made to Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, 28788 N Main St, Daphne, AL 36526.