John Edward Cooks, Jr. was born in Sanford, Florida on July 18, 1968 to Mildred D. Cook and John E. Cooks, Sr.  He was nurtured and raised in Sanford by his mother along with two brothers and four sisters.  He was a member of the Allen Chapel AME Church since early childhood.  John transitioned from labor to reward on May 27, 2024 in Sanford.  He will be remembered as a good-humored and cheerful person who cherished his family, enjoyed his friends, and lived his life to the fullest.  Early in life John served as a Boy Scout where he earned more than 21 merit badges, He was a 1986 graduate of Seminole High School he was a drummer in the Seminole High School Marching Band. After graduating high school he attended Florida State University, he found his professional calling and made his career in the United States Navy where he honorably served this country for more than twenty years.  He retired February 2016 with the rank of Petty Office First Class.  After retiring from the US Navy in 2016, as a veteran, John took a position with the US Forestry Service.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Cooks and John Cooks, Sr. John's love will live on in his daughters: Myesha Edwards, Deltona, FL, Tabitha Cooks, Maryland and Cassandra Cooks of Tallahassee, FL. Brothers:  Edward Bullock of Orlando and Richard Davison, Tallahassee, FL, Sisters: Wanda Davis, Jacqueline Cooks, Dietra Frederick and Pamela Brown all of Sanford, FL.