Obituary of John Bridgeford Cox

John Bridgeford Cox, age 90 of 1080 Silvercrest Way, Iowa City, died Thursday, May 25, 2006, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City after a short illness. Memorial services will be held at 7pm Thursday, June 1, 2006, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City with the Reverend Dr. C. Edward Morgan officiating. Following the services there will be a time for fellowship and ice cream (John’s favorite) at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made in John’s memory to American Cancer Society, Riverside Theatre, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent for John’s family through our website @www.gayandciha.com. John B. Cox was born February 21, 1916, in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Emmet and Clara (Williams) Cox. In 1934 he graduated from high school in Maryville, MO. He received his bachelor of science degree in 1938 from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, and his Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1950. He was a teacher and coach at DeKalb, MO (2 years), taught in Idaho Springs, CO (1 year). He taught and coached basketball and baseball at Letts, IA (2 years); was principal, teacher and coach at Parkersburg, IA (2 years); superintendent of schools at La Moille, IA (3 years). Mapleton, IA schools (5 years), and at Winston, OR (two years). In 1958 John returned to the University of Iowa to begin work towards his PhD and part-time work as inspector of the Parochial Schools of Iowa. In 1960 he accepted a full-time position in the University of Iowa Admissions Office where he worked for 27 years, retiring in 1985. On October 12, 1942, John married Hila Beth Reeve in Detroit, MI. During World War II he served in the United States Army. John attended Officer Candidate School at Carlisle Barracks, PA and as a medical administration officer; he was in charge of education programs in two general hospitals. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, Iowa City Optimist Club, on the board of directors at Wesley House for many years and the Bykota Church Group. John was a fifty year member of Damascus Masonic Lodge in Albion, IA and a member of the Lions’ Club in Winston, OR. Within the University of Iowa he served on many internal and inter-institutional committees and task forces, representing the U of I Admissions Office and College of Education. John’s interest in sports was complimented by his love of theatre and music. He was a very good dancer and singer; he loved to travel and play cards with his friends. John had a green thumb and grew lovely flowers, especially roses. His Lakeland Terrier, Hadrian, was the apple of his eye. John was a loving husband and father to his three children. His family includes his wife, Hila Beth; daughter, Caren E. Cox of Iowa City and son, Dr. Jeffrey R. Cox of New Orleans, LA; son-in-laws, Lyndon Crist of Iowa City and William Love of New Orleans; sister-in-law, Marge Cox of Danville, IL; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, and his daughter, Linda Cox Crist. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for John’s family and his services.