John Michael Cook (lovingly known as Johnny) was born in Baltimore, Mary-

land on January 7, 1947. He was the youngest of nine children born to the late

James and Elizabeth Cook. He defeated cancer when the gates of heaven opened

on March 3, 2020 and welcomed Johnny home for his well-deserved eternal rest.

Johnny was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools. As an junior in high

school, he decided to wear the clothe of our nation by enlisting in the United States

Army on August 24, 1964. As an Infantryman, Johnny served our country during

the Vietnam War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. After

serving three years, with a third of this time in Europe, Johnny received an

Honorable Discharge on August 23, 1967. After returning home a nations hero,

Johnny joined the Washington Post staff as a mechanic. He soon decided to

explore entrepreneurship and was the business owner of a corner store, garage,

and his own cab.

In 1971, he met and fell in love with Maxine Watson (who preceded him in death).

From this relationship, Johnny earned his most cherished role, "Daddy" to his one

and only daughter. He also accepted the responsibility of being a father to both her

older brothers Kelvin Johnson and Robert Grimes (who preceded him in death).

Johnny devoted his life to caring for his entire family, especially his, "Pee-Pee",

as only he could affectionately call her. Johnny stood in the gap as an inspiration

and father figure to many. He was an exceptional father and grandfather to his

grandson Gary, being the truest example of what a father should be. This family

could not have asked for a more loyal and dependable protector. Providing for his

family was most important to Johnny, and there is nothing he would not do for his

loved ones.

Johnny was a loving man, who cared and supported many. To him, it was his duty

to provide and care for his family, no matter the need Johnny would always be

there. He knew what he wanted and how he wanted things done. Johnny impacted

the lives of many with his expertise and his wisdom. He had a road map to life and

expected those he loved to follow suit with what he instilled in them. Johnny kept

abreast of current events and never hesitated to share his world views. His other

past times included electronics, western movies and cheering on the Baltimore

Ravens, his favorite sports team. Johnny was a loving and sacrificing man, greatly

respected by family, friends, and neighbors. He was a man that worked hard and

was diligent. He was a man of profound character and the truest essence of a man.

They don't make too many men like Johnny, for he was one of GOD's best.

Johnny leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Palesa Cook; one son, Kelvin

Johnson; one grandson, Gary Palmer Jr.; three brothers, Rudolph Cook, William

Cook, and Donald Cook; one sister, Shirley Penix; extended family, Phyllis Bush,

Tina Jennings, Bobby Watson; one god-daughter, Ericka Fowlkes; two best

friends, Leroy Wallace and Billy Carter; a special person in his life Montrey

Jacobs, and a host of other family and friends.