When Sunday, March 13 burst on the scene, no one would know it would hold the painful, unexpected death of a dearly loved Son, Father, Uncle and Friend. I wasn't expecting to hear the news that one of my closest friends, Johnny Cox, had died of a heart attack at 55 years of age.

Having recently moved to Clearlake, CA to both be near family and to find work, Johnny was not in the best season of his life. Yet he had a way of taking the worst of something and making the best of it.

Johnny was the picture of energy, vitality, life and joy. He had his difficult days, as we all do. Johnny had a way of not just lighting a flame in a room, but fanning that fire into something large and loud.

It was that kind of life that Johnny brought to everything he set his heart, head and hands to throughout his life. Whether it was touring the United States as The Cookie Monster, singing & acting his way onto Broadway in New York City, DJ'ing any party he was privileged to get his hands on, studying for and living into his call as an Ordained Pastor with The Foursquare Church, working as a Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, Worship Pastor, Church Planter or running camps as the SoCal District Youth Director. Johnny gave everything his all! 

The titles that mattered most to Johnny are Son of the Living God, and Daddy. He was in his element when he would take his daughters camping & serve as the Camp Pastor for a weekend. No one else could take an old, dilpidated camper & turn it into a palace his girls would never forget.

There are so many things left unfulfilled when a life ends abruptly and unexpectedly. Not the least of which would be financial provision after the loss of a provider. I'm putting this page together to encourage any and all who knew Johnny to participate in doing one of those things that were left unfulfilled: helping his daughters transition to  the next stages of their lives without him to count on for financial aid.

I was always so impressed by the way Johnny handled his attitude about life over the last few years. Coming into a season of life that would be difficult for anyone, to struggle through unemployment, forge a new path, or "reinvent" themselves, he always took the next job rejection with fortitude and grace. What bothered him most was how difficult it became for him to be the provider that he longed to be for his kids.

We can't bring Johnny back, but maybe we can help in this one small way. As Johnny's close friend, Pastor for many years, and "uncle" to Shaina, Hannah & Nikki, I would greatly appreciate if you would give towards this cause. Maybe you can't give, but you're willing to make the need known on your social networks by sharing it? All of us can at least make this need a matter of prayer, and we would love that too!

All funds raised after the GoFundMe fee will be split evenly between Johnny's three daughters - Shaina, Hannah & Nikki.

As well, please spread the word for friends to join us for

The Celebration of Life for John Cox
Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 10:00 am
The Church On The Way
Living Room
14300 Sherman Way
Van Nuys, CA

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!

Paul Kuzma