Joseph Cornelius “J.C.” Cox, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on February 3, 2026, in Maquoketa, at the age of 78.

Born on October 14, 1947, in Cascade, Iowa, to Joseph and Estelle (McDonnell) Cox, J.C. grew up in the Elwood and Maquoketa areas.  He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1965 and soon after answered the call to serve his country. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, J.C. served three tours during the Vietnam War. During his service, he was wounded in combat and later honorably discharged. His time in the service stayed with him and profoundly shaped his life.

J.C.’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, friends and his community. On July 28, 1973, he married the love of his life, Darlene Skoff, in Sugar Creek, Iowa. They were blessed with three children.

After his military service, he managed the Rose Garden in Maquoketa and worked as the warehouse manager for Waterbed Creations in Grand Mound. He later worked as a rural mail carrier until his retirement. Retirement didn’t slow him down—he found great joy in owning and operating the Lakehurst Riverside Campground in Maquoketa, where his love for the outdoors and people naturally came together.

J.C. was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa and the Knights of Columbus. His commitment to service was further exemplified through his membership in the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Maquoketa and the Maquoketa VFW, where he proudly served on the Jackson County Veterans Honor Squad.

Known for his easygoing nature and gift for conversation, J.C. had many great friends and made new friends wherever he went. He loved life’s simple pleasures—working at the campground, playing cards, swapping stories with his morning coffee group, and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day each year. He shared a close bond with his sisters and unconditionally loved his children, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. By his side through it all was his beloved dog, Mollie, his constant companion and best friend.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Darlene Cox of Maquoketa, IA; children, Jessica (Jason) Tracy of DeWitt, IA, Angela (Shawn) Skladzien of Maquoketa, IA, and Jacob Cox of Chicago, IL; 7 grandchildren: Brett Tracy, Haley Croft, Paytone Tracy, Adrianna Skladzien, Logan Skladzien, Brandon Skladzien and Sophia Skladzien and 5 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; sisters, Joann (Ronnie) Eden of Swisher, IA, Monica Cox of Swisher, IA, Teresa (Jim) Holtz of Lost Nation, IA, and Maureen Shanahan of Swisher, IA; brother-in-law, John Pauwels of Moline, IL; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Catherine Pauwels, and brothers-in-law Gene Grant and Bill Shanahan.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating his life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A public graveside and burial with military rites will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Joseph “J.C.” Cox memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.CarsonAndSon.com.