John Edward Cook III, lovingly known as “Johnny,” passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, hand in hand.

     Born in Charleston, West Virginia, to John E. Cook Jr. and Virginia Reed Cook, Johnny was the youngest in the family, raised alongside his sisters, Rise Cook Boggs and Sherry Cook Clark. Johnny spent most of his life deeply rooted within the wild and wonderful hills he loved. His life was marked by devotion to his faith, his family, his friends, his craft, and the Mountaineers!

     At the center of Johnny’s life was his beloved wife, Pamela Lippitt Cook, his high school sweetheart and best friend of 56 years. It was common to find them laughing and still holding hands through every season of life. The special bond they shared formed a strong foundation for their family and was an inspiration to all who knew them.

     John was a master jeweler by trade and by calling. After studying in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he returned home to build a lifelong career at John E. Cook & Son Jewelers, where he became widely known in the community for his integrity, honesty, and genuine care for others. As he repaired watches by hand, restored family heirlooms, and assisted customers with the perfect gift for special occasions, he spent decades marking some of life’s most meaningful moments. A true romantic at heart, his favorite role was  designing beautiful, custom diamond rings and helping excited young men turn their dreams into unforgettable proposals. It brought him joy that these treasured pieces would come to represent a lifetime of love.

     While Johnny enjoyed every aspect of his work, above all else, he was a family man. Together with Pam, they built a life in Cross Lanes centered around a close extended family and their 3 daughters …Kimberly Michele Dyer (Bill), Tiffany Dawn Thomas (Matt), and Amanda Beth Gibson (Travis). He was the kind of father every daughter hopes for—protective, generous, present, and endlessly proud. He delighted in caring for his girls, often treating them to shopping sprees, special dinners, and family vacations, where cherished memories were made. To his daughters, he could fix any problem and made life feel safe. In their eyes, he was more than a dad, he was their hero.

     Johnny also shared an especially close bond with his sons-in-law, who were not only family but his closest friends. You would often find them together in his convertible mini cooper, scouting out the nearest hotdog stand with the windows down and Kenny on the radio. They stood beside him with unwavering loyalty, providing personal care until the final days of his life.

     In 2005, the whole family moved to Teays Valley, where Johnny was a proud and loving grandfather (Papa) to Gregory Trevor Harrison, Anna Michele Dyer, Baylee Rebecca Thomas, John-Micah Andrew Thomas, Jon Cole Dyer, John Lex Casto, Alea Rae Thomas, and Adalyn Claire Gibson. Always the life of the party, he never missed an opportunity to make his grandkids laugh and they always knew he was one of their biggest fans.

     Cheering for others came naturally to Johnny, whether it was his family, friends, or his favorite sports teams. From growing up on the baseball field in South Hills, to spending Thursdays on the golf course with his Sleepy Hollow foursome, to rooting for his team from his trusty leather chair, he always had a true love for the game.

     Johnny’s enthusiasm for life was contagious. He enjoyed the sun on his face, the beauty of the coast, and the country roads of his farm properties, where he felt most at peace in nature. With a lifelong passion for collecting cars, he loved to drive. He and Pam would explore new places together, scouting out charming Bed and Breakfasts, quaint antique shops, and fine art galleries, and on more than one occasion, he was even known to travel 8 hours, just to get his favorite Philly cheesesteak. Spontaneous and full of adventure, he made even the ordinary moments something to remember.

     Johnny was also a devoted lover of his Boston terriers, caring for nine loyal companions over the course of his life. He loved to spoil his most recent one, Molly, with special treats, new toys, and the last bite of food from his plate. She remained faithfully on his lap, offering comfort even through his last days.

     Johnny’s life was anchored in a sincere and growing faith. He loved Jesus and walked with Him faithfully, serving for many years as a deacon at Perrow Presbyterian Church and later as a devoted member of Cross Lanes Baptist. His faith was steadfast and continued to deepen after he was diagnosed with cancer. Through this painful and difficult 10-year battle, Johnny remained a source of light to others. He often shared his faith with those who cared for him, gifting cross necklaces to special nurses as a thank you for their care. From the new friends he made at chemo, to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and personal caregivers in his home, he never lost his ability to bring joy to those around him, meeting hardship with humor, resilience, and grace.

     In 2020, Johnny and Pam moved to Charleston, South Carolina, to be close to their daughters. There, Johnny loved the rhythm of the Lowcountry, spending peaceful moments on his porch, soaking in the warmth and beauty of the South. His wish was to remain in this home that he loved until the end, which he was able to do with the care and support of his family.

     He will be remembered as a man of integrity, loyalty, generosity, and unwavering love. He was a husband who cherished his wife, a father who adored his daughters, a papa who brought delight to his grandchildren , and a family member and friend who could always be counted on. His life leaves behind a legacy of the beautiful things he created, the relationships he treasured, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. ❤️

     In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to SWAY, the family’s Christian outreach ministry that Johnny deeply believed in and faithfully supported. Donations may be made at www.comesway.com

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