James M. Cox Jr.

John F. Kennedy and James M. Cox Jr.

1957: At the death of his father, Cox takes over the family business.

1958: Marries Betty Gage Lippitt.

1959: Receives an honorary doctorate from Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio.

1961: An acquaintance of several U.S. presidents, Cox plays a round of golf with John F. Kennedy, noting that JFK "could turn professional with but a little practice."

1962: Enters cable by approving the purchase of community antenna television systems in Pennsylvania for $660,000.

1964: Cox Broadcasting Corporation forms, and Cox stock is admitted for trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

1968: Appointed chairman of newly formed Cox Enterprises, Inc.

1972: Breaks "hands-off" tradition and urges Cox newspaper editors to support Richard Nixon for the presidency.

1974: Dies on October 27 at the age of 71.