Dr. James Michael Cockrell, known as Mike (or Spike aka Spike Dawg)
peacefully embarked on his journey beyond the horizon of life at the age of 63 in
Birmingham, Alabama, on Friday, May 17, 2024. Mike is preceded in death by his
parents, James Wallace Cockrell and Sherry Pearson Cockrell. He is survived by his
wife, Stephanie Kyle Cockrell; his three children, Carson James Cockrell, Bailey
Cockrell Petrie (Shane), and James Michael Cockrell II, known as Cage. He is also
survived by his brother, Timothy Lee Cockrell (Chrissy), and his nieces and nephew.
Mike was an incredibly warm and lovable man with a heart of gold and an
ineffable sense of humor. Mike loved helping those in need and never missed an
opportunity to lighten the mood with a dad joke. Mike was an avid golfer, serving as a
pillar in the "Tuesday Tour" with his closest pals for over 30 years. Mike was also an
unparalleled Alabama fan. As a member of the Red Elephant Club, Mike was steadfast
in his commitment to weekend pilgrimages to Tuscaloosa for gamedays. Mike enjoyed
bowling with his children, Monday Night football with his wife and friends, and getting a
killer tan at the beach.
Dr. Cockrell, a universally revered sports medicine specialist, graduated from the
University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in biology and received his
medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile,
Alabama. Dr. Cockrell completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of
South Alabama Medical Center. He also completed his fellowship training in sports
medicine with Dr. John Garrett at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Cockrell
was board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and was a fellow of
the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He specialized in disorders of the knee
and shoulder. He was a member of The American Medical Association, The Medical
Society of Mobile County, and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.
Additionally, he was also a clinical associate professor in the Department of
Orthopaedics at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Cockrell served as the football
team physician for both St. Paul's Episcopal School and Mary G. Montgomery (his alma
mater) spending most Friday nights on the sidelines. Dr. Cockrell also served as a
Mobile Police Department volunteer surgeon for over 30 years.
August 14, 1960 — May 17, 2024
Visitation will be open to the public Wednesday, May 22 from 5PM to 7PM and Thursday, May 23 from 11AM to noon with a graveside funeral service to follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Tillman's Corner.
I am shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Mike. He was indeed a fine man, husband, father and friend. My prayers go with him and his family.
As one of Dr. Cockrell's patients, there was never a time when I needed to see him that he would accommodate me and always made me feel like family. My condolences to the family during this time.