Jack D. Cox, DDS, MSD, 82, passed away May 17, 2015, at the KC Hospice House, following a courageous battle with acute leukemia. Jack was born to M. Banner Cox and Nina Lee Dougherty Cox in Bristol, VA, June 27, 1932. He graduated BS from Emory and Henry College, Emory, VA, received his DDS from U.T. Dental School, Memphis, TN., and his MSD from UMKC, Kansas City, MO.
He was very active at Emory and Henry including serving as president of the Panhellenic Council and president of his senior class. Jack served active duty in the U.S. Army and later joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Jack served children through his profession as a pedodontist, in work with Abdallah Shrine, and being instrumental in establishing the Optimist Boys and Girls Homes and Infant Abuse Center, receiving various awards for his endeavors.
Jack was a man of varied interest and hobbies, especially enjoying motor home travel, working with his hunting dogs and was an avid hunter. Jack’s friends say he was a real character, always had stories to share and a few favorite jokes to tell. He never met a stranger and made many new friends during his travels. He loved networking and if you needed the name of a service, he knew just the person to supply your need. The neighbors called him the mayor and sometimes the sheriff, of their street.
He enjoyed talking with young people, encouraging them to get a good education and stressing the importance of responsibility. Jack had a strong faith and was always active in his faith community. He was very generous and giving. Jack is survived by his wife, Karen and his stepfamily: Mark (Chris), Sam and Katherine and Jon (Suzanne), Harrison and James.
A celebration of life service will be held June 13, 2015, at 1:00 pm in the Wesley Chapel, UM Church of the Resurrection 13720 Roe Ave. Leawood, Kansas 66224. A visitation will be held from 12:00 until 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emory and Henry College PO Box 950 Emory, VA 24327. Arr: Signature Funerals 816-214-5174