Interviewer(s): D. Austin. Berwick, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

I interviewed Bob Cockerham for our study on the impacts of the offshore oil and gas industry on individuals and families in southern Louisiana. He was 80 years old at the time of the interview (see DA000). We met in his office at the VFW and talked for a couple of hours. Bob passed away in November 2002. After his death, I contacted his wife, Joyce, for permission to include his interview in the oral history study. I met with Joyce, their daughter Frances, and Frances' husband, Buddy Justillien, in July 2003. They agreed to share their memories of Bob and living with him in the oil field. The interview continued into a second night when I returned to look at photos.

Joyce Cockerham was born in Lafourche Crossing near Thibodaux. Her father was a supervisor for Shell Oil Company, and the family moved to Conroe, Texas. She and Bob Cockerham met there while Bob was serving in the army during World War II. They married in 1943. After Bob returned from the war, the couple ended up in Morgan City where Bob soon got a job working for Kerr-McGee drilling what was to become the first successful offshore oil well drilled out of site of land. Bob worked for several drilling companies over the next 22 years and then worked as a consultant until his retirement in 1984. Bob and Joyce adopted their daughter, Frances, in . Bob became a second father to Buddy Justillien. Buddy become his son-in-law in 19 when he married Frances. Joyce, Frances, and Buddy spent their lives in the oil field. Buddy and Frances now operate Justco Engine Service.