1941 ~ 2013
John W. Cox, (Grandpa) passed away on November 26, 2013 after a 3 year long battle with pancreatic cancer.
John was born to Joyce Cox Jr and Ione F. Scroggins on August 13, 1941 in the same hospital in Yazoo City, MS as his father. The son of a career military man, he traveled throughout the country living in Florida, Oklahoma, Colorado, Alaska and finally Mississippi, where he joined the Air Force, beginning his own career.
Upon receiving his commission and earning his Navigator wings, he was transferred to Sacramento, CA., where he met his wife, Jacqueline Pazell (Grandma), in August 1967 (ask her how they met) and they were married in June 1968. Jackie was the love of his life, his partner and best friend. Sean Michael and Anthony Warner were born in November 1969 (yes, twins) in Soest, Holland. Tony married Kathie Whitcomb in 2002 and gave Grandpa two of the most precious granddaughters on earth, Isabella (10) and Alessandra (9). Sean married Buket Oztuna in 1999, giving Grandpa his grandson Patrick (7), the world's best superhero.
During his military career, John was stationed at McClellan AFB (Sacramento, CA), Soesterberg AFB (DeBilt, Holland) and Hill AFB (Ogden, UT). While at Sacramento, he deployed 5 times to SE Asia, flying more than 200 missions over Viet Nam and earning eight Air Medals. In Holland, he was an Instructor Weapons Systems Officer (navigator) for the F4E Phantom II. He completed his military service at Hill AFB, where he designed the first Mobile TV unit/van in the Air Force and earned the AF Commendation Medal.
From his Air Force retirement until his "final retirement" in 2006, John worked at several local companies involved in retail, wholesale, and newspaper management with some awesome co-workers like Janet, Tonya, Michell, and Kathy.
Grandpa and Grandma became hooked on soccer while stationed at Soesterberg AFB. He was an avid referee for AYSO soccer and became the section Chief Referee as well as an Instructor referee. He maintained his reffing skills throughout his life, as many fans seated next to him at any ReAL Salt Lake game can testify. As a 6-year season ticket holder for ReAL, he enjoyed almost every home game (chemo not with standing).
John and Jackie belonged to a fantastic social group, D.O.M., and treasured their friendship for the last several decades. He will miss their monthly gatherings. And the Isla Mujeres trip was incredible!
John is survived by his wife, sons, grandchildren, sister Elizabeth Joyce Dubose (NC), brother David R. Cox (NC), and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sharon Sechler (MS).
As his final act of service to this country, John has donated his body to the U of U medical center for cancer research. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please donate to them or to REELRecovery.org. Special thanks are deserved by Dr. Jonathan Whisenant and the entire staff at Utah Cancer Specialists at IMC, Murray, for putting up with John for these last 3 years. We also wish to thank Katrina and Russ with Quality Solace Services for their kind care and support.
Please join us in honoring John at "A CELEBRATION OF LIFE" party at Rio Tinto Stadium (west entrance) from 5- 8 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2013.
"Celebration" stories may be added to a special web page at jandjutah.wordpress.com.