John Cocking

John Cocking, a man of unwavering integrity, quiet strength, and extraordinary drive, passed away on Friday, March 6 in Dallas, Georgia. Born in Sunderland and raised in Murton, England, John was the son of Isabella and Jim Cocking, a coal miner of 51 years, and had an older brother, Jim. From his roots in the North of England, John built a life defined by the same resilience and work ethic he witnessed in his father and mother.

A Champion on the Pitch

John’s journey began in England, where he excelled in track and soccer, eventually representing the England Grammar Schools team. While competing in the All-England High School Championship track meet in April 1963, he didn’t just win his races, he won the heart of his future bride, Jane. They married on December 17, 1966, beginning a 59-year journey of love and partnership.

In early 1967, John’s talent took the couple across the Atlantic to join the Atlanta Chiefs, a professional soccer team in the North American Soccer League (NASL), the premiere American professional soccer league at the time. His career in the NASL was storied: he was a three-time All-Star, played against the legendary Pelé twice, and helped the Chiefs defeat Manchester City in two memorable matches. Most notably, the Chiefs won the NASL Championship in 1968—a victory made even sweeter by the birth of his first son the very next day.

A Leader in Business and Community

After his soccer career, John transitioned his methodical drive to the world of finance. From 1969 to 1994, he rose through the ranks at Citizens and Southern Bank (now Bank of America), retiring as Senior Vice President. Never one to remain idle, he later founded the English Yardman Lawn Care Service, built a full roster of clients through sheer English work ethic, and managed it for five years, until he retired.

Throughout his life, John lived in Atlanta, St. Mary’s, Georgia; Houston, Texas; and Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, before returning to Georgia where he spent the rest of his years.

A Man of Word and Heart

To the world, John was a champion athlete and a successful executive. To his family, he was simply "the rock." He was a man of his word—methodical, reliable, and deeply driven to serve his loved ones. He taught his sons and grandchildren the value of discipline, integrity, and ethics, not just through words, but by the way he lived every day.

John loved the simple joys: loving his family, meticulously tending to his yard, watching the birds, and traveling. He had a unique gift for bringing a smile to anyone he met, including total strangers.

Family Legacy

John is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Jane Cocking; his sons and daughters-in-law, John and Tanya Cocking, and Keith Cocking and Cathy Hadam; and his three cherished grandchildren, John James, Emma, and Collin.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, stability, and the high standard of an outstanding role model. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in every lesson taught, every moment shared, and a lifetime of love, commitment and service to his family.

Service

All are welcome to join and celebrate John.

Service Location

West Cobb Funeral Home

2480 Macland Road

Marietta, Ga 30064

Service Date

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Service Schedule (All at funeral home)

1:00-2:00 Visitation with family

2:00-3:00 Service

3:00-5:00 Reception

Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org.