John Lawrence Cox III

"Jay" was born on the 16th of November 1948 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He attended West University Elementary in Houston, Texas; Dolby Elementary, F.K. White Jr. High and LaGrange Sr. High in Lake Charles, Louisiana; and he graduated from Memorial Sr. High in Houston with the class of 1967.

His extracurricular scholastic activities earned him awards and certificates in Science, Electronics, Scholastic Testing and Law Enforcement plus a four year tuition scholarship to Louisiana State University. Jay was an officer in the Order of DeMolay, just as were his father and grandfather.

He entered the University of Texas at Austin to study physics until 1969, when he left school to join the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His wish was to fly as his father had in WWII, however, he was trained as and became a Nuclear Weapons Specialist. His Strategic Air Command file notes that his performance, initiative, knowledge, personal and professional conduct, work related research and willingness to assist fellow workers was outstanding. In 1975 he received an Honorable Discharge from the USAF and returned to the University of Texas where he made the Dean's List. He graduated in 1977 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

After a short stint in industry during which he excelled in digital design, Jay joined the Central Intelligence Agency where he served his beloved country for 26 years. Throughout his career he received numerous Exceptional Performance Awards and in 2000, he was named the Agency's Engineer of the Year. He volunteered for recovery work at the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. In 2004 he retired with the titles of Senior Electrical Engineer and Senior Project Manager and received the Career Intelligence Medal in recognition of his superior service. He returned to Houston where he continued to follow his passions.

Jay was a skin and scuba diving instructor and member of PADI. He was a licensed pilot, an avid caver and member of the National Speleological Society. Jay was a bird watcher and an amateur astronomer. His hobbies included working on computers, clocks, barometers and his 'Vette. He was taking lessons in horseback riding and jumping, He participated in both water and snow skiing, rappelling, ice skating, roller blading, boxing, racquetball, kickboxing and and sailing. He once had the opportunity to take the helm of one of the ships of the America's Cup fleet for an exciting 15 minutes. . Jay was always ready to "go somewhere" and he traveled extensively all over the world. He had the amazing ability to gain the trust of animals in the wild. They would allow him to approach and touch them and they would return to him when he called. Over the years his animal family included an owl, a raven, a pair of nesting Canadian geese, a squirrel and a skunk.

Jay was known for his humor, puns and practical jokes. During a summer break in college, while installing a security system in the home of an A&M alumnus, he patiently taught the owner's parrot to say 'Hook 'em Horns!"

Jay had a love of learning and an unquenchable curiosity. He was a loving son, a wonderful brother and a true patriot.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. John Lawrence Cox of; and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Lawrence Cox, Jr. all of Lake Charles, LA. He is survived by his devoted sisters and their spouses, Betty Lee and Donald H. Stringer of Denton, TX, Ouida and S. Weston Croft of Atlanta, GA; his aunt, Carmen Cox Robinson of Asheville, NC; his nieces, Caroline and spouse Howard Pena of Fort Worth, TX, Colleen and spouse Gregory Simmons of Bluffdale, TX and Lee Sadler Croft of Atlanta; his nephews, D. Kip Stringer and spouse Penny of Clinton, AR, H. Clinton Stringer and spouse M'Liss of Tours, France, S. Weston Croft, Jr. and spouse JiNa of Charlotte, NC and John Cox Croft of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves behind great-nephews and great-nieces, John Lee Pena, Alex Stringer, Anna Pena, Caleb Simmons, Carol Simmons, Emma Stringer and Clara Stringer.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 30th of April, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where Rev. Erin Conaway, Associate Pastor of South Main Baptist Church, is to officiate.

His sisters will return his remains to Lake Charles where his parents and grandparents rest.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial gifts may be directed to the Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030.