Did you know a Wichita Falls photographer was almost a Pulitzer prize winner?

Jim Cochran, Wichita Falls Legendary Photographer

Today I learned about Jim Cochran who used to take photos for the Wichita Falls Times or as you probably know it today Times Record News. Jim sadly passed away in 2007 and after his passing a collection of six thousands photographs were donated to Midwestern State University. You can actually check out the collection online if you're interested.

Jim Captures Wichita Falls Tornado Coming into Downtown

Back on April 2, 1958 a tornado would descend upon Wichita Falls. Jim caught the moment the funnel was forming near the courthouse downtown. According to Weather.gov, "A funnel was first spotted 8 miles southwest of Wichita Falls before touching down at 5:40 pm CST near the intersection 4th Street and Lamar Street near the Wichita River." Jim's photo of the tornado touching down would be nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Photography in 1958, but sadly he would not win the award.

Photography Winner in 1958

Photographer William C. Beall won the award for his photo in the Washington Daily News. He captured a little boy asked a police officer during a parade if he was a U.S. Marine. The photo would actually go on to be published in Life Magazine getting it national attention. The photo has been named 'Faith and Confidence'. 

Although Jim did not win the award in 1958, his collection of photographs shows a period of time in Wichita Falls that is long gone. You can check out over 3,000 of his photos online if you want to see some more of his work throughout Wichita Falls.