John B Cook

John Bart Cook, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, and long-time resident of Pompano Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 29. Peggy, his devoted wife of 70 years, was by his side.
Born in Holopaw, Florida, John was the son of the late Robert Hunt Cook and Stacie Strickland Cook. He was predeceased by his daughter, Melissa Kay Cook, and his siblings, MaryLou Cook Gilligan, Robert H. Cook, and Bettye Sue Cook.
John and Peggy shared an extraordinary marriage that spanned seven decades – a bond built on love, laughter, faith, and unwavering devotion. Together they created a lifetime of memories, raised their family, and stood by each other through every season of life.
At just 16, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served for four years. After his service, he attended Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, before beginning a career with L.G. Balfour, where he sold graduation rings and cherished the many relationships he built along the way.
A lover of music, poetry, and philosophy, John had a remarkable way with words. He was a natural storyteller – witty, thoughtful, always ready with a clever quip, and humble to his core. (He even earned a trophy for being "Most Humble," which he accepted, of course, in the most humble way possible.) Beneath his tough exterior was a deeply compassionate heart.
Golf was John's lifelong passion. From his early years as a caddy to his time as a golf pro in Michigan, the course was his home away from home. Even well into his 80s, he often shot below 70, and he celebrated his first hole-in-one at the age of 80.
John was a longtime member of Christ Methodist Church and a fixture in his community, where his World Famous Catfish Fry became a cherished tradition.
He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy, and his four granddaughters, Leah Van Halsema, Emma Van Halsema, Elizabeth Van Halsema, and Holly Van Halsema, who will always carry his stories, laughter, and wisdom in their hearts.
John will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His humor, generosity, and love for life will forever echo through those he touched.
Services will be held at Falowski Kalis McIntee Funeral & Cremation Services Friday, November 7, from 2-4pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John's memory to the Humane Society of Broward County, honoring his love for animals. https://humanebroward.com/donate/