John 'Jack' Allan Cox, Jr.

John Allan Cox Jr., lovingly known as Jack, passed away peacefully at his home in Huntsville, Utah, on March 9, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on July 10, 1934, in Salt Lake City to John and Mildred Cox, Jack was the eldest of eight children and grew up in Ogden, Utah. Sharing his father’s name, he became known as Jack, a nickname derived from his initials (JAC). His early years were shaped by the Great Depression and World War II, experiences that instilled in him a strong work ethic and a knack for problem-solving. Working alongside his father in a junkyard, Jack learned to weld and developed a passion for building and fixing things. He often recounted how, in high school, he could replace a broken wheel axle on his souped-up car in just 20 minutes. His ingenuity extended to crafting soapbox cars and other creations from salvaged materials.

Jack met the love of his life, Barbara Wangsgard, near the end of high school, and they married in 1954 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. He pursued higher education, first at Weber State College and then at Utah State University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Together, Jack and Barbara raised seven children, living in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Utah as Jack built a successful career as a tool engineer.

He was highly respected and admired by colleagues for his sharp mind, excellent memory, and ability to solve complex problems — a gift he retained throughout his life.

Jack was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many callings throughout his life, including Scoutmaster, teacher, Branch President, Bishop and member of the Stake Presidency. Jack was thrilled to serve a full-time proselyting mission with Karla. Their two years in the Eugene Oregon Mission was a highlight of his life and a dream come true.

He enjoyed his many years serving in the Family History Library, and one of his greatest joys was working as a temple ordinance worker for 22 years. His unwavering faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of his life and a source of strength and guidance for his family. He led by example, teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of service, integrity, and devotion to God.

After 56 devoted years of marriage, Barbara passed away, leaving a deep void in Jack’s life. In 2011, he found companionship and love again with Karla King Church, whom he had known through her first husband in Illinois. They shared 14 happy years together, with Karla providing loving care and comfort to Jack in his final years.

Jack is survived by his wife, Karla King Cox; his seven children, Julie (Art) Bingham, Cindy (Scott) Christensen, Linda (Jeffrey) Lowe, Amy (Bill) LeFevre, Andrew (Nicole) Cox, Nathan (Jenifer) Cox, and Preston (Jenny) Cox; his brothers, Raymond Cox, Tom Cox, and Lyle Cox; and his sisters, Janett Brown, and Claudia Payne. Jack’s legacy lives on through his 29 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy and pride. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Wangsgard Cox; his parents; his brother, Bob; and his sister, Merlyn.

Jack’s life was defined by hard work, love for his family, and an unshakable faith. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and the twinkle in his eye when he shared a good story. His family finds peace in knowing he has reunited with loved ones and will forever watch over them with love.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Huntsville 1st Ward Chapel, 277 South 7400 East. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. and Thursday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment Huntsville Cemetery.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Jack’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.

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