September 30, 2004

The Rev. James Paul Cobb, 55, of Amarillo, Texas, died suddenly while riding his motorcycle Saturday after an unfortunate series of accidents.

Cobb was the senior pastor at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A memorial service for Cobb will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary. The church is located at 3001 Wolfin Ave., Amarillo, Texas.

Cobb was forced off his motorcycle when a vehicle pulled in front of him. His wife, Jeanne Cobb, was following in a separate car. Minutes later, a sports utility vehicle struck her husband and sped away as she called for help. She rushed back to help him and waved for oncoming traffic to stop, but a van hit both of them. The driver of the van said that she did not have time to stop because the vehicle in front of her swerved to miss the couple. Wet roads may have been a factor in the accident.

James Cobb was pronounced dead at the scene. Jeanne Cobb was flown to Northwest Texas Hospital where she remains in stable condition.

"The congregation is doing okay. They are doing the best that they can, and they are still in shock," said Kelly Farris, an employee of First Christian Church.

Police tracked down a man at a local bar who reportedly drove the car that initially hit Cobb. The man was taken in for questioning and then released. Authorities are still investigating.

World Faith News