John William Cobb left his special mark on all those privileged to have known him when he passed on Dec. 26, 2013 surrounded by his loved ones. He was 55.

In addition to devoted son, father and friend, John will be remembered as an accomplished athlete, talented musician and esteemed attorney. John embraced life on his own terms and excelled at each of his life passions.

John (“Johnny”) was born on Sept. 23, 1958 in Abilene, Texas to Cherie Charlebois Cobb and John Perry Cobb. As the son of an Air Force pilot, Johnny moved numerous times before he and his family settled in Elko, Nevada in 1963, a quintessential desert-mountain cowboy town that John called “Home” even while residing elsewhere. Destiny had Johnny return “Home” for what turned out to be his last Christmas in Elko.

At a very young age, John found one of his great life passions as a student athlete. While attending Elko High School, John received numerous honors in recognition of his athletic accomplishments, including Nevada All-State Quarterback (twice), State Basketball “Dream Team,” and first place in the State Track Meet for high jump, each time setting EHS records that would stand for years. He was later inducted into the Elko High School Basketball Hall of Fame. John was also a gifted student through his intermediate school years and graduated from EHS at the top of his class.

After high school, John followed his love for football to Corvallis, Oregon where his always-diverse athletic abilities allowed him to play several positions for the Oregon State Beavers. It was during college that John found another of his great passions in playing the guitar and songwriting. His beautiful lyrics and gentle strong voice entertained and comforted family and friends through his entire adult life.

John earned a degree from OSU in Political Science, then went on to pursue another passion when he enrolled in law school at the University of Puget Sound (later Seattle University) from where he received his Juris Doctor Degree in 1984 with the “cum laude” distinction.

Hired immediately out of law school as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the King County Prosecutor’s Office in downtown Seattle, John Cobb found yet another passion as respected and charismatic litigator specializing in complicated tort cases. John had the honor of being on the KCP team with renowned prosecutor and mentor, Norm Maleng, for the preparation, presentation and argument of a seminal case in front of the United States Supreme Court. John retired as a Senior Deputy Prosecutor from the King County Prosecutor’s Office in September 2012 after 28 years of public service.

John Cobb was the proud father of Callan Joy Cobb (26) and Ross John Cobb (23). John cherished his children and their life on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He coached many of their sports and was thrilled for them to experience each of his own life passions. Some of his fondest memories were the many years of skiing with his children in the mountains of Nevada, Washington and Canada.

In addition to his children, John Cobb is survived by his parents, George and Cherie Atwood; siblings David Cobb, sister-in-law Jane Cobb, Richard Cobb, and Cathy Vega; long-time partner, Linda Harris; and the other many members of his adored extended family.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions can be made to the John Cobb Memorial Athletic Fund. The fund will benefit the athletic department at Elko High School, and donations can be mailed to the following address:

Elko High School, Attn: Athletic Department, 987 College Ave., Elko, NV 89801.