“Tramps like us, baby we were Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen

John Cook lived his life like a Springsteen song — with his foot on the gas, the radio loud, and a laugh that could echo through any arena or bar.

Born in Murray, Utah “Cooker”, “Cookie”, “Boo Dog” or “Popsi” was raised on the road — literally. As a kid, he rode shotgun with his truck driver dad, James Ronald (Ron) Cook, and fell in love with the wide-open unknown of the West. Maybe that’s where he first caught the spirit of “Thunder Road” — the call to roll the windows down and chase what's next ... as these two lanes will take us anywhere. And Cooker certainly did.

That road led him to a remarkable career as a Sports TV Director. John was an "NBA OG" and a pioneer in the business. He worked with some of the biggest names under the brightest lights in the game including the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, HBO Sports, Sacramento Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, ESPN, Fox Sports and three NBC Olympic Games where he won three Emmy Awards. He directed games with skill and soul, but he was equally famous for what happened "off the format and behind the camera" — his humor, his legendary laugh, and the way his voice on headset could make even the most stressful moments fun. If you ever worked a show with Cooker, you probably have your own tale to tell!

"Mama always told me not to look into the sights of the sun ... Oh, but mama, that’s where the fun is ”

John had a rare zest for life — the kind that made ordinary days feel like a highlight reel. He loved boat days on Lake Orienta in Orlando with his Great Danes and on Georgia’s Lake Lanier with the Cooklings, poker nights with pals, golf and tennis matches that were more about good company than scorecards, and long bar talks over cold Miller Lites. He loved talking sports, telling stories, and retelling them even better the second time. Or a third!

And above all, he loved his family. His proudest title wasn’t “Director” — it was “Dad.” He loved his kids and bragged about them to anyone who’d listen (and plenty who didn’t have a choice). John simply gushed about his personal front row seat for over 20 years to Xander, Maddie and Cami’s frequent passionate and incredibly talented guitar sessions. He and Kate would sing along to Springsteen on car pools to elementary school in the 90s. And he always loved ALL things sports with Max, who inherited his Dad's passion for the game and competitive spirit (by beating him several times in their Fantasy Football league!).

He is celebrated by his wife and favorite Co-Producer, Jil Gossard-Cook or "his Jily” and by the Cookling Bunch  including;  Xander Cook (Atlanta) Maddie Buckner (husband Thomas, children Yarrow, Page & Phil in SLC), Kate Cook (SLC), Max Cook (University of Georgia), and Cami Cook (Auburn University). He also is loved by his sister Tahna Lee Naylor (husband Bill), and brothers Keith and Jeff Cook. John now joins parents Ron & Geneil Collett Cook, brother Pat and sister Ronna Lynn Aste, surely swapping stories and smiles once again. "Climb in back ... heaven's waiting down on the track"...

John found his joy in the journey, his home in his family, and his peace in a TV truck or on the open road. So when you think of him, think of that possibly inappropriate joke, a laugh that you could feel as much as hear, and his passion for life ... and maybe raise a glass to “Cooker” — a man who truly was “Born to Run.”

“Grab your ticket and your suitcase … and meet me in the Land of Hope and Dreams”

SLC Celebration of Life ~ Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 ~ Location TBD 

ATL Celebration of Life Open House  ~  Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 ~ Miller Lites & Stories from 4pm on!  Hosted by Shea & John Tackett  ~ 12170 Wildwood Springs Dr.,  Roswell GA 30075

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