Ret. Petty Officer 1st Class Major D. Cosby, Jr.

Major Douglas Cosby, Jr., affectionately known as “Jimbo,” was born on July 3, 1929, in Beulaville, King William County, Virginia, to the late Major Douglas Cosby and Hattie Mae Johnson Cosby. From a young age, Jimbo carried a deep sense of purpose, which led him to enlist in the United States Coast Guard in 1946, leaving his home in Newport News, VA, to serve his country with honor. 

Jimbo proudly served for 21 years, achieving the rank of Boatswain’s Mate First Class (BM1). He was stationed at Burkley Yard in Portsmouth, VA, and received numerous commendations, including the Silver Star, the Coast Guard Good Conduct Award, the American Campaign Medal, a Good Conduct Bar and an Honorable Discharge. His service reflected both his patriotism and his unwavering discipline. 

In March 1953, Jimbo married Rosa Maria Rodriguez Lopez in Puerto Rico. From this union came three sons: Major, Ricardo and Roberto. After his military retirement, Jimbo returned to New York, where he worked as a pier guard with Sullivan Security and later as a Warehouse Assistant Manager at the Underwriters Salvage Company in Brooklyn. In 1985, he joined the Federal Police at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant. After years of service and hard work, he relocated to Hampton, Virginia, for his well-earned retirement. 

Jimbo was baptized twice at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn. Though he didn’t speak of faith often, he lived with a quiet dignity and a strong sense of purpose. Known for his steady presence, sharp wit and gentle love for animals, Jimbo’s life was shaped more by how he treated others than by anything he preached. His quiet strength, sense of humor, and love of routine, he was affectionately called “the Cat Man” by family, friends and neighbors. Though he only had two cats of his own, he had a soft heart for all strays, often feeding and sheltering them. 

Later in life, Jimbo experienced an unexpected but powerful blessing—he reunited with his son, Nicholas Cosby Scott, of Lansdowne, PA, who had been adopted as an infant. Their reconnection in 2023 brought new joy, meaningful conversations and a sense of peace and completion for them both. 

Jimbo peacefully transitioned at his home on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the age of 95. He is survived by two loving sons: Roberto Cosby Lopez of Trujillo Alto, PR, and Nicholas Cosby Scott (Anthony) of Lansdowne, PA. He is also survived by his devoted sister, Brenda Cosby Morton of Accokeek, MD; grandchildren: Anthony Cosby, Yadira Cosby, Robert Cosby, Richard Cosby, and Richette Cosby; and great-grandchildren: Adrian, Manuel, Roberto, Alanna, Andrea, and Miannette, all of Puerto Rico. 

Jimbo was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Maria; his sons, Major and Ricardo; and his siblings: Laura Marshall, Ida Crisman, Thomas “Hopper” Cosby, and Linwood “Wood” Cosby.

He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends—especially his beloved “Park Friends,” who shared many years of stories, laughter and fellowship. 

His was a life of service, quiet strength and unexpected reconnections. He will be missed, remembered and honored always. 

It is the desire of the Cosby family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Ret. Petty Officer 1st Class Major D. Cosby, Jr., has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

Full Coast Guard Military Honors, for Ret. Petty Officer 1st Class Major D. Cosby, Jr. will follow the service in the Chapel. 

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