Honoring John H Cook Burial

Honoring John H Cook

His Life

John Henry Cook peacefully departed this earthly life at his home in San Antonio, Texas on September 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and a personality that touched countless lives. He was 81 years old. He was a veteran, husband, father, uncle, sibling, and friend, and his absence will be deeply felt.

John, affectionately known as “Pop”, was born on August 17th, 1945, to Arlethia Cook-Boatwright (née Able) and Earnest Cook in Columbia, South Carolina. His early education was in Ridgeway and Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from Edmonson High School in Baltimore, Maryland.

After completing his high school education, John served in the US Air Force as a member of the Fire Emergency Services. John played a transformative role both nationally and internationally, resulting in him receiving the Airman’s Medal, amongst many other awards.

He ended his 30 years of military service at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He then joined the Civil Service where he served as Fire Chief of USAG-Camp Red Cloud in South Korea until he returned to the United States to serve at the Installation Management Command Headquarters at Fort Sam Houston as a Command Fire Chief. He fully retired after 16 years of Civil Service.

John had diverse personal interests. He was an avid fisherman and shared his love of fishing with many friends and loved ones. He enjoyed listening to Motown classics, especially the Temptations.

John was a highly skilled basketball player. He also enjoyed nature shows and military history. He was an avid fan of the series Wings on the Discovery Channel. He was so fascinated by aircraft that he could readily identify various model planes just by the sound of their engines when flying overhead.

In his later years, John gave his life to Christ and was a dedicated member of Immanuel Church of Austin.

John was predeceased by his father, mother, brothers Eugene Cook, Glenn L. Cook Sr., Timothy Cook, and Ray Anthony Cook, and his sisters Earnestine Cook and Ruby Gaines.

John is survived by his wife, Seung Sook (Kim) Cook, daughters Nicole Cook and Jacquetta Cook, and former wife Loretta (Young) Cook. Through working with Compass Connections, he became a foster parent to Lililth Santoya. He is also survived by his half-brother Clyde Boatwright.

He leaves to cherish his memory nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews too numerous to count. His Aunt Etta “Teen” Evans held a special place in his heart, as well as his friends Curtis and Gayle Williams, Albert Dyson, Joe Escobido and Un Soon Park.

We were all blessed to have John in our lives for the time we shared with him. Though he is no longer physically present, the love he gave, his standard of excellence, and the countless memories he created will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

May he rest peacefully. His work here is complete, but his love and legacy will live on forever.