John’s 87th Birthday
Jono, Jeremiah, Lynda and John, Aug’25
December 19, 1938 – September 24, 2026
Click on BOOKSHELF to read “Journey Reflections Blog”, “Daily Spirit Journals” and eight other books John wrote.
John Peyton Cock, age 87, of Davdison, NC died Sept 24, 2026, at Levine-Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville.
Born in 1938, near Willis, Virginia, to Peyton and Dotte Slusher Cock, he grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Galax, Virginia.
He was a writer, a pastor, spirit guide and traveling teacher. His written works can be read on the ICA Global Archives BOOKSHELF, including Called to Be: A Spirit Memoir; The Transparent Event: post-modern Christ Images; Motivation for the Great Work; Our Universal Spirit Journey; At one with the Heart of Creation; By Cosmic Design; The Daily Spirit Journal, Volumes I-VI. In his later years, he was a writer, a spirit guide and daily blogger at rejourney.blogspot.com.
He was the owner of the Men’s Shop in Galax for fourteen years; a founder and the first president of the Galax Downtown Association; a leader in the Order: Ecumenical for sixteen years in Chicago, Kansas City, Washington, D.C., Canberra, Australia, Jakarta, Indonesia, Mumbai, India, and Denver, CO; a United Methodist minister serving churches in Alpharetta, GA, Asheville, NC and Richmond, VA; head of the English Department of Frederick Military Academy and instructor of English at Baylor School for Boys; a graduate of Galax Schools, Emory and Henry College, Auburn University, and Emory University.
Hobbies: playing golf and teaching his grandchildren how to chip and putt. Playing checkers and cornhole. Helping to keep the neighborhood clean.
Surviving him are his wife of 66 years, Lynda Lippard Cock; sons and daughters-in-law, John Preston Cock II and Kelley Taylor Cock, of Davidson, NC; Jeremiah Cock and Veronica Wordsworth of Seville, Spain. Also surviving him are his 11 grandchildren. Lyndon, Preston, Caleb, Meron, Eli, Nolan, Clara, Alec, Tomas, Lauryn, Dylan.
MEMORIES CONTINUED
Dear John, Lynda, and Family, John, you provided so much food for the soul through your writing and leadership. You and Lynda have been very important in my life. I am humming the song “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strenth. They will mount up on wings as Eagles.” Love, grace, and peace.
~~. Catherine Welch
- Before I met him, I read a paper he wrote titled, “I’m for RS1!” It was just so full of exuberance and conviction, I’ve never forgotten it.
- During a Summer ’72 nighttime excursion on multiple boats on Lake Michigan, his beautiful voice rang out over a loudspeaker across the water as he sang, “When You Are Aware.” Magical.
- I met him at a “Christmastide Trek” in the DC House where he had each participant climb up on a table and emote the “Burn Your Houses” reading from Kazanzakis’ Saviors of God. Edgy.
- He allowed an unusual arrangement for Forrest and my initial status in the DC house: Forrest was an Intern and I was a Sojourner. Guess it worked.
- At that time, he was crazed about Man of La Mancha, decor everywhere and the music playing constantly. One morning when he sent the Day 1 team out to be Knights, I as the only female protested, so he said I could be sent out as a “Nightie.” Funny.
- We were in awe when we found the three-story Viatorian Seminary for $1/year. It was perched on top of a hill overlooking the Catholic U part of DC. As we left after our first visit, night had just fallen. John captured the moment by inviting everyone to sit on the front steps and sing “I’m on the Top Of the World Looking Down on Creation.” Perfect.
- Impeccably turned out always, he said “you have to dress up for life.” Master of short courses.
- Called me a saint after what I considered a minor EG victory. Observant and affirmational.
- Had us follow his car to leave Greensboro, NC after we’d gotten very lost on the way to visit him and Lynda. Deep caring.
- Reading his books and his daily Journey Reflection and picture online was a sustaining mainstay for so many of us. Profound gift.
Well done, good and faithful one. Grace and Peace.
Lynda, I will always remember John as the dashing presence with the sexy eye-patch! But also for his and your words of wisdom for every situation. I also remember your (the two of you) very special contributions at the Millennial Gathering in Colorado. It is so hard to think about giants like John transitioning, and your tansitioning with his transition. I transitioned when my husband died in 2005. You are never ready, but God buoys you up and gradually fills in all the empty places in your heart. I pray that you will transition well and that John will transition peacefully.
~~ Susan Fertig-Dykes
I had the privilege of attending one of the pilot Profound Humanness courses that John and Linda developed. Thanks to Jean Long and others I was able to accompany three of the next generation Philbrook women to attend the course in Denver, Lela, Rebekah, & Hannah.
Hannah was the youngest in attendance. Her cousin Lela was having trouble understanding the dynamics of freedom and responsibility. Before a break, Lela asked a question and John said let’s take a break and then we’ll address that question.
Well in the break, Hannah explained it to her older cousin Lela. So when they came back from break, John said let’s start with Lela’s question and Lela replied. Oh, Hannah explained it to me. You don’t have to do that now. So for the rest of the course, as John was presenting several times, he turned to Hannah and said is that right?
It was a fabulous experience for all the young ones, but it also showed how John appreciated the spirit of each person and was able to profoundly radically powerfully empower individuals to be their greatness! Thank you, John for so many occasions in my life when I could count on you to surface the spirit in the midst of the mundane and to embrace the radical love the universe brought to that moment.
To all of John’s family, as you guard John’s transition, you are surrounded by his deep love.
~~ Paula Philbrook
Dear Lynda and family, Deep appreciation for you and your contribution to the world we live in through your choice to be a part of the Order Ecumenical. The replication effort was something we worked on together. Huge demand on us as an organisation and as individuals. Thank you for taking on the leadership of this effort. Much love and respect as you move through the physical loss of John.
I’ve never known anyone else to put their whole self — body, heart and soul— into everything they did like John Cock, whether it be teaching RS-1, writing his Profound Journey Dialogue, lining up a 3-foot putt, just having a collegial conversation, and a thousand other things. I have no doubt he will somehow, in whatever state of being, embrace this last great event with the same enthusiasm and intentionality. I’m grateful for every experience we’ve shared. There have been many. Journey on good friend. I love you and I’ll never forget you. Peace and love to Lynda and the family.
~~ Randy Williams
Adding to Randy’s eloquence, I remember John’s leadership in the Local Church Experiment. Anyone experiencing John’s presence was jolted into mystery, depth and greatness. Lynda’s love also meant everything.
I love you, John !
~~ Ken Fisher
Lynda. My heart is with you and John abd your family during this sacred time. John was indeed a giant among us, as are you!
~~ Alice Baumbach
Journey on, Journey on Dear John…You were the “Johny Appleseed” of Life….spreading the Word of Possibility for ALL. The seeds of your sharing will bloom and Grow forever and forever 🌈🌎🌍🌏
Lynda, John, and Family, Besides presenting about Mississippi at a session you led on Human Development Zones, we had little personal contact in the Order. I have been so pleased to get to know you a bit more on our “ICA Colleagues” Zoom times. Your dedication, practical care, prolific writings, and the joy of your loving family are signs of hope for us all. May this time of your journey be profoundly loving, peaceful, and a comfort. Blessings to you all. With gratitude,
Dear Lynda, Jono, Jeremiah and family… Sherwood and I have been blessed to be with you on this journey over so many years and now in these sacred days of loss, grief and celebration. John was indeed an Ironman in our midst, and your family has been an enduring sign of service. Gratitude overflowing and God’s Grace all around. In Peace,
~~ Eunice and Sherwood
I heard through the grapevine that John Cock was one of the best team leaders in the Order Ecumenical and undoubtedly later among business folks in Galax, VA. His teams only tackled the heart of the contradiction and made the impossible possible. At the same time he cared for people.
~~ Leah Early
MEMORIES
All is well and we were all together (his wife and two sons were present) at the time of his death at a beautiful hospice facility where we received exceptional care. It was very peaceful and special. He waited for all of his children to arrive before he left this world. We will miss him. He was such a great father and husband. Thank you all for your love and care of our family.
~~ Jeremiah for the Cock family
Thank you dear Lynda and family. John, Jim and I were on a ferry crossing over to South Sulewesi and the ferry broke down. John just sat and mused on life as she was, on that day. It was such privilege to sit with him while we were stranded. He was the essence of calm and patience, and deep philosophy. Praise be. John very well loved, and very well remembered. Thanks dear John
Dear Lynda, John, Jono and Jeremiah and the dear grans, We are surrounding you with our love and care at this precious time in the journey of John Preston Cock. Thank you, John, for pushing us, caring for us, cajoling and challenging us, and loving us. One tiny story and image come to mind. We were in the office of the Washington, DC House with our young son, Christopher at about 2 years old. You put Chris on the top of a four drawer file cabinet and said to him, “Jump. Trust the Mystery”. As frightened parents worrying about their son, we were trying to intervene. John said to have courage and jump, and that the Mystery would catch him. Chris jumped and John did indeed catch him. A teachable moment for all of us present, more than 50 years ago. Many thanks for all you gave of yourself to share selflessly with the Order, the church and the world. With love and care,
~~ Jack, Louise, Chris and Peter Ballard
May peace be with you Lynda, John and the whole family, in this profound journey. You and John have had a profound impact on the lives of so many and the care for the human community has been demonstrated in countless ways. John will be in our hearts now and forever as he continues his life journey. Well done!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sending prayers for the family along with special hugs and much love to Lynda! Journey on John, our dear colleague and spirit guru!💙🙏🏽
~~ Vinod and Kamala Parekh
Dear Lynda, Ken and I sit with you in John’s presence as he takes leave of us. I appreciate all the stories that colleagues have shared about John’s presence, skills and contribution to our life and mission. They are great remembrances.
I have a different story to tell about John. With Liberian war next door to us and our children ready for secondary school, it was time for us to depart – rapidly. We regretting leaving our 6 year engagement in Cote d’Ivoire. Fortunately, Ken was already engaged for the US part time work that paid for flights to see our kids and family occasionally. He contacted the hospital, requesting a house rather than an apartment. Thus we landed on Washington Street in Galax, Virginia. Ken went off to work. The rest of us settled in.
A week after landing, I got a card in the mail that said, “say hello to John and Lynda.” The only John and Lynda I knew came with the last name “Cock.” I didn’t know what to make of this information; I didn’t know where John and Lynda had located. I pulled out the skinny Galax phone book and went looking. I found a Cook but no Cock located on Main Street.
I hadn’t yet been into town, but the next morning, I went looking for the address. I arrived in the front The Men’s Shop. I opened the door and walked in. There he was. Helping a male customer look at clothing choices. Thus began a wonderful two years of friendship with John and Lynda on Main Street in Galax Virginia. John and Lynda lived in a cosy apartment over The Men’s Shop. Between 1990 and 1992, we met weekly for dinner and conversation, either in their apartment or at our house on Washington Street. We had various holiday celebrations together. Our time with them was treasured time. We sorted out together what was happening with the Order and ICA, we puzzled together about living in today’s world.
The Men’s Shop was an important business in this town for clothes of all occasions. But John joked that his best sales came with the death of a man who hadn’t been in a suit for 50 years. Death called for dignity and his widow was in the store to buy a suit for the funeral.
John had a corner in the shop dedicated to golfing – hats, some clothing but especially clubs. His favorite activity was talking with someone that came looking for golf clubs. He also had a place at the back of the shop with his favorite chair. The chair was behind a wall with a window space from which he could see when someone came in the shop. He spent a lot of time in his chair resting a bad back.
I spent time in The Men’s Shop. We had lots of reasons to talk – past history, current lives, theology, the kids, and what’s coming up next. We chatted and worked. Lynda was busy organizing community, raising funds and renovating the whole of downtown Main Street. At a point in time, John trusted my capacity to be in the shop, do the sales and run the cash register. It allowed John and Lynda opportunity to be away together.
I celebrate John’s journey in this life – it’s wonder, it’s complexity, it’s service, it’s contribution to so many of us.
~~ Ruth Gilbert
Dear ones, I’m giving thanks for knowing such a wonderful family as you all, and special thanks to John for the tremendous energy & loving care that he brought to his life & work. Grace and peace and love as he journeys on.
~~ Nancy Trask
Dear Lynda and family,
I just finished rereading John’s book, Called to Be: A Spirit Odyssey. Among his many gifts, he truly was an exceptional writer. Turning the pages, I found myself nodding along constantly, feeling so connected to your family’s remarkable journey.
I still treasure the signed copy he gave us back in 2000. It brought back fond memories of your visit to Tampa, especially John patiently trying to teach us how to putt during his favorite golf challenge game. He was a wonderful teacher, even if we spent most of our time laughing and struggling to chase down all the stray balls!
The opening lines of the poem he shared in the book feel like the truest reflection of the life he lived:
Called to Be
“I have rehearsed my life and found it good.
> Rich in experience,
> Planetary in orbit,
> Profound in depth,
> Wonder-full. “
He captured his spirit so beautifully in those words, and it is a gift to revisit them. You and your family remain in our thoughts and heart. Warmly,
~~ Carol Walters