About
John Cook Obituary
John was born in Akron, Ohio on July 19, 1969, to John C. Eshack and the late Linda M. Cook. After graduating from Copley High School in 1987, he went on to study at The University of Cincinnati and later enlisted in the United States Army. John met Tracy during their high school years at Copley. They married in December of 2002 and went on to have two children, Cassidy and Carter. They were his world.
John successfully built from the ground up a fitness and mixed martial arts gym, Evolve, which was truly special. He left his mark on every person who walked through those doors. He turned boys and girls into men and women, mentored many, and was passionate about helping others believe in themselves to achieve their goals. He created an unbreakable bond with his Evolve family that was near and dear to our hearts.
He had fond memories of growing up with his stepbrothers and stepsister; Steve, Markus, and Joanette. He fiercely loved his wife and children, adored and loved spending time with his family to include his sister-in-law Kelly (Aaron), brother-in-law Scott (Zara) and all of his nieces and nephews; Austin, Megan (Justin), Jenna, Colin, Emmi, Luke, Addi, and Trish.
He was preceded in death by his mother Linda Cook, grandparents, John and Majorie Eshack, and his nina, Maria Cook.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Tracy (McCool), his daughter Cassidy, son Carter, father John, "second mom and dad" Pam and Jerry McCool, stepmother Patti and many aunts and uncles.
The family will receive guests on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 4-8pm and Saturday, May 20th from 9-10:30am with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 10:30am at Grace Church 754 Ghent Road Akron, Ohio 44333.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John's honor to Hospice of the Western Reserve at hospicewr.org
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Fox 8 Viewer
October 18, 2023
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. My heart goes out to Tracy.
Patti Eshack
June 4, 2023
Little John. My boy Blue. I loved you from the first moment you entered my life. I loved being your stepmother.
I miss you so very much. Cassidy did great yesterday at Dance recital. Hard not seeing you there. I´m sure it was for everyone else also. I start to text or call you, then catch myself. You were so strong , positive & brave in this battle with cancer. I know Tracy was your Rock, as well as a Cassidy & Carter.
You´re so missed. Nothing will ever be the same. I love you. Until we meet again. Say hello to our families in Heaven.
Rest easy now. Love , momma Patti.
Diane Coon
May 25, 2023
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I know the attention he brought to colon screening has made a difference and saved lives.
Sr. Betty
May 25, 2023
I am so sorry for the loss of your soulmate and your dad. I have prayed for John and you so often over the last 5 years. My prayers continue for you.
Sr Betty
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Elaine Payne
May 21, 2023
Tracy & family my condolences for your loss of your husband (John).
My thoughts & prayers
Chad Mac
May 20, 2023
John was a once in a lifetime character. I met him at Scandinavian Health Spa, summer of 1986 when he was going into his senior year, my freshman year. For reasons unknown, John took my under his wing, guided and protected me. John was a mentor even then at 17. He inspired me to workout, eat well and live honorably. While we lost contact until 1996 when he, Dave and Chris walked into "The Sun" (Akron U bar) where I worked as bouncer, we immediately picked up where we'd left off, all laughs, brotherhood and chicanery! We later connected via FB many years later and spoke occasionally. John lived his life, John did what he wanted yet John walked a narrow path that inspired, helped and perhaps saved many young lives through his wisdom, love and mentorship. It was truly a pleasure and honor to have known my dear friend John. May God bless Tracy, His children, his Father and all who knew and loved him. Maybe I'll get a other "Mohawk haircut" in honor of John like I did in 1987! He wore it better!
cynthia anderson
May 19, 2023
Thoughts are with you Tracy and family . John put up a good fight to watch your children become young adults . He has touched all our hearts . John hasn´t left you he will always be in your heart .
Fox 8 viewer Cynthia
FOX 8 VIEWER
May 19, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss and for your children & family. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that he is walking with Jesus and watching over his loved ones. My heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Nancy Allie
May 19, 2023
My heart breaks for you and your family. I have followed his story on Fox 8. Heaven has gained a saint. No more pain and suffering. Rest in peace John. My thoughts and prayers to you Tracy and your family
Sharon Fox 8 viewer
May 19, 2023
My sincere sympathy to you Cassidy and Carter. John was such an inspiration to everyone. We followed his battle his fight his strength his highs his lows his challenges. Always a smile always a confident fight. His love for you and his kids was an example of what it means to love. May you cherish your memories. May God continue to watch over all of you to keep you all in His Loving Care . May he bless you and your children give you the strength to get thru this and even more strength to live your life the way John would want you too. Tracy my heart is broken for you and your family. You are and have been an inspiration during this fight right by John´s side. True love. You were all blessed to have him as long as you did. Much love and prayers. Sharon a Fox 8 viewer
Joan Rossman
May 19, 2023
They just don't make 'em like John. Heaven will be a much more interesting place. My entire family worked at at Evolve for a number of years until it closed. I've never found another place like it. God's blessings to you, Tracy, Cassidy, and Carter.
Marilyn Chapman
May 18, 2023
Tracy & family, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Scott Rohler
May 18, 2023
I first met John over 20 years ago when he would come up to St. V with Anthony. Later on, my son would end up at Evolve fighting for John. The impact he has had on SO many people is astounding! I sat and read some of our texts after his passing and laughed and cried. He will be missed but through this, we have the comfort in knowing that through his faith in God, we shall be reunited one day! The entire Rohler family pray that you find comfort in knowing that! It´s not a goodbye but a see you later my friend! Much love and prayers to you and your children!
Fox 8 viewer
May 18, 2023
Tracy and family, so sorry for the loss. John was a true warrior. May he rest in peace.
Kathy Marflake
May 18, 2023
Thank you for sharing your very personal story.I truly believe it will save many lives. I KNOW THE LORD IS WALKING WITH YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN during this very difficult time. He will give all of you strength, peace, comfort, and His Love.Lean on Him, He is your Heavenly Father and will always be with you, and so will John.Enjoy each day , they are gifts from God. My father passed from colon cancer in 1987, and I had my entire colon removed in 2009. I make sure my children and grandchildren, keep up with their screenings, EVERYDAY IS A GIFT FROM GOD.
I am a dedicated viewer, I love watching you on the news,
Kathy Marflake
Calvin S Butler
May 18, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Fox 8 viewer
May 18, 2023
Tracy and family, I´m so sorry for your loss. As a viewer of channel 8, I learned of the journey you John and the children would travel. God has a plan. I was praying John would beat this, it wasn´t Gods plan.
Hold you children near, love and prayer will get you through. God bless.
Theresa R.
May 18, 2023
Tracy, Cassidy, and Carter this loss is very hard but know every time you have a memory of him he is also thinking of all of you and the love you all had for one another. Love will get you through each day. Your memories will last your lifetime and cherish each of those. My prayers to all of you. I have been there it hurts but if you trust in God he will get you through!!
Kathy in Lorain
May 18, 2023
Keeping your beautiful, loving family in our daily prayers. God bless you and help you through these days. Your precious John is in God's loving arms. He was really something special.
Brenda Stepp
May 17, 2023
I'm just a viewer and fan of channel 8. Thru Tracy and John's journey with their battle for his life I was amazed of the obvious love you had for each other.Tracy you were his strength and yet the last few times your pain was apparent God Bless you. John was a brave man and it shined and was so heartbreaking to hear of his passing.My prayers to his loved ones and know that my warmest thoughts are of the love and devotion I was able be be a part of and will probably never see it again.What a love story!
Mrs.Steed
May 17, 2023
Dear Tracy
SO SORRY for your lost. I have watch fox 8 forever and feel like I'm family. GOD BLESS YOU , YOUR FAMILY AND CHILDREN , I HOPE YOU FIND COMFORT AND PEACE IN OUR GOOD LORD. YOUR IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.
MR.&Mrs. Thomas and family
Kathy Svoboda (Moore)
May 17, 2023
So sorry to hear about your loss Tracy Cassidy and Carter my heart breaks for you and I've cried several times for you and your family you don't know me but I want you everyday on channel 8 and I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer I had two brain surgeries and I remember the words of the oncologist told me with out treatment 6 months months to live with treatment maybe 2 years I'm still here I'm still fighting I have chemo every 3 weeks on top of having the two brain surgeries been in and out of the hospital several times and I'm sharing my story to let you guys know you're not alone and neither is your family and John will always be in your hearts and your memories and my thoughts and prayers are with you and don't give up because John wouldn't want that my best to you and your family
Kathy Svoboda
Patti shega
May 16, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of John´s passing. I am a former Evolve member and loved this gym. My prayers are with you and your children.
Janice Thomas
May 16, 2023
True love never dies. It becomes the foundation that will hold you up as you meander the road ahead. Love, prayers and deepest sympathy to you and your children. Jan Thomas. A fox 8 die hard fan
Fox 8 viewer
May 16, 2023
Tracy and family, so sorry for your loss. May John rest in peace. I watch you on Fox 8 and you are truley a remarkable lady. God Bless you and your children.
Lisa Marie Petro
May 16, 2023
My heart breaks for your family´s loss. May you live with happiness and hope, knowing how well you were loved, and how you are now watched over by an angel.
Wanda DeSantis
May 16, 2023
Tracy,Cassidy,Carter & John's family, Tho we have never met I have followed you Tracy since your very early yrs at Fox8, even before you were an anchor. I always thought you were such a kind sweet person. I remember you wanting to be a Mom and finally got pregnant with Cassidy! What a joy then without effort another pregnancy and then there was Carter. I remember how happy you and John were. He always showed so much love for all of you by the wonderful things he did. Thank you for sharing his journey I am certain that he saved many lives. He was a courageous, brave, guy who showed so much strength. The love between you two shined thru. May the precious memories and your faith in God help you thru this difficult time. He's now your special guardian angel.
A FOX 8 VIEWER
May 16, 2023
Tracy and family. My heart is broken for you. I know there are sadden holes in your hearts, but John is filling them with awesome memories that you will be able to lean on in the coming days. I pray for strength and comfort for all of you. GOD BLESS.
Mary Mickey
May 15, 2023
John you allowed me to work out at your gyms, the best memories. Thank you for all your inspirations and Brie Evans who u allowed me to learn to be healthy.
Johanne Nesser
May 15, 2023
To Tracy and your family. I followed John's journey as he fought a courageous battle. He truly was an inspiration to others. His smile and comments and how upbeat he was. He put his family and others first. My neighbor fought the same fight and lost the battle after 18 months. People who cross our paths ask sometimes if there is anything they can do for us we tell them to get screened.
Your loving husband and father have a guardian angel looking out for you.
Sincerely, A fox 8 viewer.
DARLENE
May 15, 2023
Tracy
I watched you for years on fox 8 and I watched you and john on his journey you and john are soldiers
You guys gave a good fight and thanks for sharing that you are so strong that's true love
But God wanted him
And now you and the kids have a Guardian Angel looking after you
God Bless you guys
Stay Strong
Amy Pecoraro
May 15, 2023
Tracy, you and John are truly a class act! I´ve followed his story and saw what an inspiration and role model you both were! He is in heaven, happy, healthy again and pain free. You and your children will be ok, he´ll make sure of it. God Bless You and your family.
Sincerely, a faithful Fox 8 viewer
Tina Vazquez
May 15, 2023
I watched you and John go through this journey together and I understand how tough it was but just know he´s up in heaven now he has his wings and will always be watching over you and your kids hold the memories close to your heart it will get you through this difficult time and I will be praying for comfort for you and your family and children god bless you all
Karen Kessler
May 15, 2023
John was such a inspiration to everyone who got to know him. Listening to his journey during his illness brought tears to my eyes.
May he now rest in peace.
To Tracy, Cassidy and Carter who have my deepest sympathy and prayers. I'm sure your husband and father is looking down on you and will be your protector and looking out for you.
God Bless all of you..
Karen Kessler
Donna Walrath
May 15, 2023
Dear Tracy and family
I have watched and listened to your brave fought battle over the past 5 years. Because of John I was able to convince my daughter how important a colonoscopy is and she finally had it done. May John RIP and join the legion of angels. He will be in your heart always and your guardian angel on your shoulder. God bless you and your family
Brad Ingram
May 15, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through this time. Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers. John was a one of a kind person that left a mark on you no matter how short or how long you knew him. May he Rest In Peace. The Ingram's
Rochelle Boykin
May 15, 2023
My heart goes out to Tracy and her children I watched you and John go through this all and you two alway kept the most beautiful smile. Now he smiling in Heaven may God be with you and your family.
Stephanie Alexandrou
May 15, 2023
Tracey, I have been a loyal viewer of Fox 8 news since I moved to Cleveland from the Boston area, and have been a fan since you were on the Morning Show with Wayne. Since you and John announced his illness, I have been rooting and praying for all of you, and it broke my heart to learn of his passing. It was a privilege to get to know you and your family through the stories that you shared on air. He fought so valiantly and courageously, and the love he had for you and your children was always apparent. You just knew that he really wanted to beat his illness. May you and your loved ones find strength from the love that surrounds you, comfort in all of the memories that you have of John, and peace through this difficult time and as you move forward in life's journey. Always remember just how much John loved you, and how much your Fox 8 family (including your viewers) loves you too.
With love,
Stephanie from Chardon
Lori Jagoda
May 15, 2023
May God give you strength over the next coming days and May fond memories help sustain you during this difficult time.
Lori Jagoda
William Riedthaler
May 15, 2023
To the family I do not know you all I was sad to hear by of johns passing may God with you all
Barb
May 14, 2023
Deepest condolences to Tracy and the rest of the family. What a fight he fought!
Shelly Bacon Kelnhofer
May 14, 2023
I'll love you forever John. You were one of the greatest on this earth, and you are shining now in heaven. You will never be forgotten
Kimberly Medved
May 14, 2023
I only knew of you by the way of Tracy McCool on the news yet it broke my heart tonight as i learned of your passing. My heart goes out to this entire family and especially his wife and kids. May God give you strength now and in the days ahead.
Mike & Donna Kastor
May 14, 2023
We are FOX8 viewers and have kept Tracy and her children in our prayers throughout John's illness. He is now at peace but his courage and will to fight will continue to resonate with all who followed his journey.
Fran Hughes
May 14, 2023
Tracy, we never but I´ve been praying for you and your family.
Love seeing you in Fox8 news.
Fran
Denise Chism
May 13, 2023
Tracy and family. I never met you before but I have been a fan of yours for years. My heart goes out to all of you. John sounded like a wonderful husband and father. I will continue to pray for all of you. Many people Love you and the family.
Elaine
May 13, 2023
Tracy. John was diagnosed with his cancer at almost the same time as my husband but sadly my husband had a very rare type which could not be treated and he only lived 3 weeks after diagnosis. I was so happy to see John´s courageous fight and all the treatments which gave u another 4 years together. Deepest sympathy to you and your family
Mary anne
May 13, 2023
Tracy so sorry for your loss i ve been praying for your and your family. May God be. Feith you and your family during this difficult time
James P. Neil
May 13, 2023
Tracy....we've never met, however John and I met years ago. I was a year after your dad at Buchtel and grew up down the street from Johns' dad in the Forest Lodge area. Saddened to learn of Johns passing. He was much too young to die. You shall remain in my thoughts and prayers GOD BLESS
Millie Powell
May 13, 2023
May you find STRENGTH from the love & care that surround you, COMFORT in the memories of all you shared & PEACE as you move forward with John's love in your hearts.
Kim F
May 13, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. Your strength and Johns strength and fight was amazing. Thank you for sharing with everyone how much love you both had for each other. Fly high with the Angels and shine your love on Tracy and the kids until you meet again
Jane
May 13, 2023
My deepest condolences to the family. I never met John in person but thru his wife and John allowing his story to be shared Publicly I feel like I became like family . I followed there journey thru ups & downs and John was a inspiration for life !! May he Rest In Peace. Tracy you and your children have a Special Angel watching over you. Hugs & Prayers for all of you .
The Staff of Billow Funeral Homes
May 13, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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