John William Cox

John loved his wife, his daughters, his dogs, and his Corvettes — not necessarily in that order. He and his wife, Louise Cox, traveled often throughout their marriage and, after his retirement, especially enjoyed exploring Europe together on Viking cruises.

He was always happiest when she was near.

Despite a career that required significant travel, John was an active and devoted father. When his daughters were young, he coached little league and volleyball. As they grew older, he never missed a concert, recital, or play. He built theater sets, sat in the audience, and cheered proudly. That steady support never faded — he just kept cheering them on as life got bigger.

For more than 50 years, John built a respected career in the rail car industry, where he was known for his knowledge, integrity, and gift for storytelling. He was also known for his carefully planned, long-game pranks — always delivered with a grin — and through his work he formed some of his dearest and most lasting friendships.

Cars were woven into John’s life long before retirement. In the mid-to-late 1970s, John raced with the SCCA, with his father, “Pop,” serving as his crew chief and his late brother Barry also behind the wheel. He stepped away from racing when he married and started a family, shifting his priorities gladly, though he never let go of the dream of racing the V again someday. Years later, fulfilling a lifelong goal, he purchased a 2003 Corvette Z06 and joined the Sam Houston Corvette Club with his wife. Over fifteen years, they formed lasting friendships, took road trips across Texas, and became part of a close-knit community John deeply treasured.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Cox and Rosemary Cox; his brother, Barry Cox; and his sister, Nancy Sauer (née Cox).

John is survived by his beloved wife, Louise Cox; his daughters, Sandy Cox and Karen King; his son-in-law, Robert King; his grandchildren, Oliver and Primrose King; his brother, Daniel Cox; and his sisters, Linda Sturgil (née Cox), Bonnie Carrington (née Cox), and Debbie Tesson, along with extended family and friends who will miss his humor, his stories, and especially his unmistakable laugh.

A service will be held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Park Funeral Home in The Woodlands, 18000 Interstate 45S, The Woodlands, TX 77384.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes stories and memories shared in his honor.