John Jeffrey Cox

John Jeffrey Cox, 67, died Sunday, July 24 at the University of Kansas-Saint Francis campus in Topeka, KS. He was born November 8, 1954 in Phillipsburg, KS to Robert H. and Betty C. Cox. He attended schools in Manhattan, KS, Centerville, IA and Sedalia, Missouri and graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia. He was a graduate of Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO. In his younger years, he played soccer, baseball and football. John worked in retail management, first for Payless Cashways and then for Home Depot in stores in Lenexa, KS; Tulsa, OK; Fort Worth and Waco, TX. He married Cheri Rogers and they later divorced. They were the parents of a daughter, Katie Cox. John coached Katie's softball teams for many years and helped her develop her skills as a coach for her children's teams. When he wasn't involved in work or coaching, he enjoyed watching sports and movies, spending time with family and was a voracious reader. John moved to Topeka in 2010 to help care for his mother. He was a member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Topeka. John is survived by his daughter, Katie of West, Texas, 3 grandchildren, Tye, Tessa and Payton; his brother, Jim Cox, Kansas City, KS; his sister, Marge Cox, Topeka, KS; two nephews, Tyler Cox, Lawrence, KS and Jeremy Cox and wife, Tara, Kansas City, MO; and their children Arlington and Willamina; a niece, Emily Cox, Kansas City, MO, along with numerous cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. There will be a visitation on Saturday, August 6 from 10-11am at the Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2901 SE Michigan, Topeka, KS. The service will be at 11am.