Jack D. Cox, age 83, of Bluewell and a former resident of McDowell County was granted entrance to his eternal home in Glory on the morning of April 21, 2012 with his family by his side.

Born on March 19, 1929 in Wilcoe, WV, he was a son of the late Arthur K. and Diana Quesenberry Cox. Jack was a devoted husband to his wife Mary F. Finley Cox for 55 years. He was the proud grandfather of 13 and great grandfather of 23. Jack loved his family dearly. He was a deacon and faithful member of South View Church in Bluewell. J.D. (as his family and friends would call him) was a retired coal miner with 38 years of service at US Steel, Gary # 2. He was a fox hunter for many years and raised several prize winning Walker Hounds. He loved picking his guitar and singing good old time gospel music and very often sang himself and those listening to the point of tears. He could sing Heaven so beautifully and make it seem like it was just outside the door. He loved family get-togethers and holidays where he could enjoy the laughter and company of his wife, family and friends. He had a servant’s heart and many times found a family in need whether it be a stranger or a member of his own and provide Christmas goodies, food and toys for the children. All the while he would be providing bountifully for his own. He often thought he had done this in secret, but his family knew all along where he was when he would disappear for those few hours.

Survivors:

Wife of 55 years: Mary F. Finley Cox of the home

Sons: Arthur K. Cox of Bluewell Thomas F. Cox and wife Ava of Pennsylvania

Daughters: Linda K. Meade and husband Keith of Princeton Karen F. Foster and husband Ron of Bluewell

Sisters: Layunna Jones of Ohio Louise Jenkins of Portsmouth, VA Ora Jean Cox of South Carolina

With special mention are his “adopted by heart” son and daughter, Dan and Donna Sloane of Lashmeet whom he loved as his very own and friends too numerous to count.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Infant Opie Cox and Clyde Cox; and a sister, Betty Rose of Princeton.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Pastor Mac McBride and Pastor Roger Walker officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton where pallbearers will be Allen Cox, T.J. Huff, Wes Sartin, Michael Raulerson, Michael Dillon, Dustin Lawless and Andrew Cox. Friends may call from 1:00 – 2:00 on Tuesday prior to the service.

The family is accepting online condolences at www.cravens-shires.com.

The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.