JONESBORO – John L. Cox Sr., 76, died Jan. 25, 2010, at his home, with his loving wife, Constance by his side. He was born April 11, 1933, at Columbia Falls, a son of William Sr. and Alta (Caler) Cox. He was predeceased by three brothers, Darrell, William Jr. and Raymond; three sisters, Edwina Norton, Mildred Dorr and Mary Scott; and a special nephew, Darrell Norton. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Constance (Wallace) Cox; and four children, John Cox Jr. of Jonesboro, Jeff Cox and wife, Ruthann, of Wallingford, Conn., James Cox and wife, Joni, of Jonesboro, and Janet Toth and husband, Gary, of Ellsworth. He will be missed by 10 grandchildren, Donna Cox, Beth Walker and husband, Ben, Cheyenne Cox, Machelle Lahaye and husband, Matt, James Cox Jr. and wife, Jaime, Apryl Marino and husband, David, Ryan Toth, Meredith Toth, Rebekah Cox and Andrew Cox; eight great-grandchildren, Sandra, Mark, Makayla, George, Zoey, Ethan, Jeffrey and Carmen; many nieces and nephews, and so many friends, including his cat, Twinkie. He often spoke fondly of his experience and the friends he made along the route he established as the fruit and produce salesman in the Downeast region for Gay Brothers Co., Jonesboro. He established his own radio/television repair service for many years, and later set up and ran his own sawmill operation along with keeping his bus driving schedule. During this time he kept a watchful eye over his four children, making sure they and many of the town’s children were safe and sound. Through his foresight and efforts with a 4-H clam aquaculture project, he oversaw 11 young people, spurring on the birth of the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research Center. He also made sure that many children had the opportunity to attend the Teco Lodge program and learned to swim. He was proudly a part-time deputy with Washington County Sheriff’s Department for many years. He was a man of few words, but when he did speak he certainly was heard. When they say “Father of the Town,” he certainly earned that title. He was always there to help anyone in need, giving of himself above and beyond. He was instrumental in establishing Jonesboro Volunteer Fire Department; he served many years, when needed, as a selectman, on the board of assessors, on the school board, and as a clam warden especially during the famous “clam wars” of the ’70s. He was a founding member and president for many years of Jonesboro Community Club and was a strong advocate for Jonesboro Swim program. He also was a founding member of the new Jonesboro Elementary School in the late 1970s. At the time of his death, he was an acting member of Jonesboro Planning Board and was working diligently to refurbish Jonesboro Grange Hall. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the garden, and marveled and explored new ways to make things grow. He loved to yardsale, making friends all along the trip and enjoying the many treasures he found. His favorite pastime was spending time with his wife, family and friends. There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Jonesboro Elementary School Gym. Interment will be later in the spring. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Machias. www.bragdonkelley.com
JOHN L. COX SR.
