Jep Hugh Cox, 87, of Chesapeake Beach, MD passed away peacefully at his residence on May 28, 2010. Jep was born August 9, 1922 in Indian Valley, Floyd County, Virginia, the son of Vander Built and Elizabeth Shelton Cox.

Jep was a descendent of Ambrose Cox, Sr. who came to America in the early 1700's and of Ambrose Cox, Jr. who fought in the American Revolutionary War. The Cox family was awarded a land grant in southwestern Virginia where many relatives still reside. Jep's great-great grandfather was a soldier if the Confederate army during the American Civil War, and is buried in the Petersburg Cemetery. Jep and his brothers were all talented musicians, and he was known for "Beating on the Box" (playing guitar) and his enjoyment of Bluegrass music. The Cox's were loggers, farmers and mechanics, and during the great depression Jep's parents moved to Calvert County in search of work and a better life for their family. Jep served as a sergeant in the US Army in the Pacific Theater during WWII, and was awarded several commendations. Upon his discharge Jep returned to Calvert County and was employed as a construction heavy equipment mechanic.

He met Virginia Brady Jones while performing music at "Uncle Billy's" in North Beach. They married October 9, 1948 and were blessed with five children: Cheryl Lynn, Larry Hugh, Geary Alan, Mark David and Timothy Jep Cox. Larry was lost to his parents in 1970 while serving his community as a volunteer with North Beach Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to his children and wife Virginia Jones Cox of the home, Jep was graced with six grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, as well as one "mean little dog." He is also survived by a sister Pauline O'Neill Tilley, and was preceded in death by sisters Lottie Conrad, Alma Harris and Edna Burton, and brothers Theodore Roosevelt Cox, Calvin Coolidge Cox and Willie Oscar Cox.

Services for Mr. Cox are pending at this time.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff of Calvert Hospice for their help and dedication.

Expressions of sympathy in Jep's name may be made to Calvert Hospice at www.CalvertHospice.org or to the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 86, North Beach, MD 20714.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.