John O. Cook, Jr.

John O. Cook, 86, of Biloxi, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at home surrounded by family after a brief illness. John was born in Biloxi, Ms on July 27, 1925. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 in World War II on the USS Sederstorm DE 31. In 1942, John quit high school to join the Navy. He received a diploma from the University of Missouri for a 14 week course in Diesel Engineering. He helped in the final building of the D.E. 31 and earned a rating of Petty Officer First Class. At the that time, they were engaged in a lot of invasions in the South Pacific including Tarawa Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands, Guam, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The D.E. 31 shot down 3 enemy bombers and set 5 on fire. John received five battle stars and several ribbons. In 1950, he was called back to serve his country in the Korean War. It was two years after he joined the Navy that he returned home on leave. After serving his beloved country, he returned to Biloxi as an automotive mechanic at Sadler Motors and also worked at Blossman Gas Company. In 1952, he began his own career as a Master Taxidermist. During his career as a Taxidermist, he helped to establish the National Taxidermy Association where he served as the President of the Board of Directors. He won several awards and recognitions for his accomplishments in outstanding Taxidermy work including the Pioneer Award. In 1985, John and his wife Helen started their own catering business Cook's Fine Catering. After twelve successful years, they retired from catering business in 1997. He also served as the weigh master of the Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo for many years. In February 2000, a veterans group worked with local school boards and school districts to implement a program to award high school diplomas to veterans who left high school to serve in the war. In May, of 2000, wearing a cap and gown, John proudly accepted his Honorary High School Diploma with the graduating class of Biloxi High School with five other Veterns. The veterans were recognized as honorary graduates and participated in the commencement exercises. Just recently, he was honored at the National Assn of County Veterans Services Officers conference at the IP Casino were he led the pledge of allegiance. He loved hunting, fishing and hanging out with his "coffee-buddies" at McElroy's Harbor House. He was very proud of his time served in the Navy. He always wore a very special hat that displayed his ship's name that was adorned with many pins he has collected. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents John O. Cook , Sr. and Henrietta Rhodes Cook, two daughters Sylvia Cook and Elizabeth "Beth" Cook, a grandson, Johnny Cook and granddaughter, Samantha Crowell. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Helen Cook, one sister, Julia Guice, one brother in law, Buddy Williams and three sons, John "Buzzi" Cook (Sandy) of Seattle, WA, Ronnie Cook (Jan) of Biloxi and Sam Cook of Anchorage, AK, one daughter, T.C. Cook of Biloxi and Sharon Skewes (Alan) of Biloxi, a very special friend, Julia Encalade, nine grandchildren, Lisa Sibert (Chuck), Kelly Marie(Andrew), Dawn Jones (Barry), Stacey Sapet (Mario), Johnny Williams, Brian Williams (Kimberly), Samantha Cook Frazier (Adam), Sean Cook (Nicole), Laura Perdue (Jeramy). Eleven great-grandchildren, Ashlei Marie, Nicole Marie, Andrew Marie Jr., Landon Sapet, Madison Williams, Elizabeth Briggs, Brendan Jones, Brianna Crowell, Karley Sibert, Caley Perdue and Natlie Perdue, and one more great-granddaughter due in October, as well as many neices and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Fatima Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., instate from 10:00 a.m. until mass time. Interment will be at Biloxi City Cemetery with Military honors. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to two very special nurses, Nancy and Kenissia of Camellia Hospice and also the nurses and doctors at Ocean Springs Hospital.