Obituary of John T. Cox

John T. “Jack” Cox, 84 of Mt. Arlington passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.  Jack was born in Orange, New Jersey, raised in Boonton, and retired on Lake Hopatcong.

Jack played center in the famous 1956 Boonton Thanksgiving high school football game against Butler. The Boonton Bombers, having a winless 0-7 season, tackled the undefeated Butler Bulldogs. The Bombers held the ravenous Bulldogs to a 0-0 tie. After the victorious game, the team, including Jack’s younger brother Wandy, signed the game ball and presented it to Coach Shriner. Coach then gave the ball to Jack, saying the team deserved the game ball. Jack proudly kept the ball for 65 years and it now resides at Johnny’s Tavern.

Jack graduated from Boonton High School and turned down football scholarships to join the military. Jack served our country in the U.S. Air Force, leading him to an engineering career. Jack was a Senior Project Manager at Watkins Engineers & Construction (formerly Willis & Paul Group) in Denville. His job took him to many locations including New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas, Colorado, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Jack enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, golf, and football picks with his friends and family that were dear to him. He loved fishing his favorite spots on Lake Hopatcong and an annual “Guy’s” trip to Canada. You always knew when it was the opening day of trout season by the traditional poker game the night before.

The crisp air and color-turning leaves signaled Jack was going bow hunting with his son and brother. Jack also looked forward to his tee times at Knoll Country Club West where he would see his buddies weekly. Jack was quick-witted and charming, bringing life and laughs to all occasions and everyone around him.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Katherine (Ewing Shanley); children Cynthia Quail (Robert), John Cox (Leslie), Karen Cox, and Robyn Acceturo (Richard); grandchildren Daniel Cox (Veronica), Arthur Roberts (Carmelissa), Kailey McClellan, and Gabriella Acceturo; and great-grandchildren Scarlett and Hunter. Jack leaves behind his brother Wandell “Wandy” Cox (Kathy) of Venice, Florida, and his sister-in-law Fran Cox also of Florida, along with his many dear nieces and nephews, which brought him great joy, as well as his Scozzafava cousins.

Jack is predeceased by his parents Wandell “Wiffer” and Josephine (nee Scozzafava) Cox, his sister Geraldine DeGroot, brother Frederick Cox, and grandson Michael Quail.

Friends and family are called to celebrate his life at Dangler, Lewis & Carey Funeral Home, 312 West Main Street in Boonton, on Saturday, April 29 from 10-12pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Hopatcong Knee Deep Club, P.O. Box 404, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, or your favorite charity.