James Robeson Cothran (1890-?) and Ruth Palmer (1894-1917) lived in Atlanta, Georgia and had two sons, James Robeson Jr. (1919-1941) and John McElmurray (1922-2003). John graduated from Boys High in 1940 and the Georgia School of Technology in 1943, where he studied Civil Engineering. Between June 1942 and March 1943 Cothran served in the organized Army Reserve, after which he enlisted in active duty. After training at Camp Davis and Fort Benning to become an officer, he served in the Southern Philippines Campaign on Mindanao Island, rising to the rank of first lieutenant in the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. For his service he was awarded several medals, including a Bronze Service Star. He rejoined the United States Army Reserve from 1946 until 1953, the same year he married Pearl Ann Smith (1929-1996). They had two children: Julia and Jamie. Cothran founded the company Smith-Cothran, Inc., Contractors and worked there until his 1988 retirement.