John Cambre Hancock, born October 13, 1944, passed on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the age of 79 surrounded by his family at his home in Denham Springs.
He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He went to Louisiana State University for a B.A. in Landscape Architecture and Southeastern Louisiana University for a B.S. in Respiratory Therapy. In 1974, he traveled to the Pacific Northwest where he met and married his wife in 1982. Moving back to southern Louisiana, he continued in his work in the boat business eventually co-owning Cooper Marine in Denham Springs, Louisiana. In 1991 he went back to school to earn a Bachelor of Science and work as a Respiratory Therapist until he retired in 2012.
John was a member of Boy Scouts, attaining Eagle Scout. He was an original board member and founder of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Gulf Coast Conservation Association (now known as CCA), a member of Pope & Young Club, and a lifelong member of Live Oak Church in Watson, Louisiana. He was a lifelong bow hunter, hunting in numerous states over the years. John enjoyed both saltwater and freshwater fishing, a hobby he and his wife often did together. He enjoyed many creative pursuits including painting, jewelry making and creating fly fishing lures which he gifted to family and friends. A great lover of the outdoors – he knew the names of nearly all flora and fauna native to Louisiana and was a prolific gardener. Taught by his Cajun mother, he loved to cook and especially enjoyed it after retirement. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
The last twelve years of his life were marked by his journey with Mantle Cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (MCL). Initially given a terminal diagnosis in 2011, John searched for alternative treatment options which eventually led to MD Anderson (MDA). Mantle Cell is a very rare type of cancer, but through many treatment protocols – including four clinical trials – Doctors Fayad and Cataldo produced a plan that took three months and turned them into twelve years – all by the extravagant, miraculous and gracious provision of God. During his treatments over the years, John would share his own story offering the hope that he had found through his faith and always giving God the glory for his numerous remissions. Cancer is scary and he wanted to offer the comfort and encouragement he found in Christ. Special thanks to all those who prayed and loved us through his twelve-year journey with cancer. God has been faithful and John finished well.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marci Hancock, daughter Sarah Hancock Easterly (John W. Easterly, Jr.), grandchildren Kevin Musgrove (Madeline Musgrove), Isaac Easterly, Lark Easterly, Laurel Easterly, and Lillian Easterly, and brother: Robert (Robbie) Hancock. He is preceded in death by parents Robert (Donald) Hancock and Annie Mae Cambre Hancock, and son Matthew Hancock.
In Lieu of Flowers please send donations to Stillwaters Refuge of Hope at https://stillwatersrefugeofhope.churchcenter.com/giving/to/in-memory-of
Special Thanks to Rev. Stephen Hebert – Associate Pastor, Hospice Nurse and dear friend; and Doctors Luis Fayad of MD Anderson and Vince Cataldo of OLOL Cancer Center.
Visitation at 34890 LA-16, Denham Springs, LA 70706, Live Oak Church in Watson Louisiana Saturday, March 9 th from 9:30am-11:30am with a service starting at 11:30am. There will be a reception to follow onsite at the Family Life Center.
8 comments
Yvonne Jokinen
March 6, 2024 at 9:42 pm
You and your family remain in our prayers. May you always be in His care.
Staff of Hospice In His Care
Darla Hunstock Peak
March 3, 2024 at 1:44 am
So sorry for the loss of Mr. John. My daddy loved working for him at Cooper Marine.
Prayers for the family.
Paula K Stephens
March 2, 2024 at 4:24 am
I met John through my husband, Ronny, about seven years ago. I liked John immediately. He had a kind and easy manner, a good sense of humor and was a true gentleman. I will miss him dearly.
Ronald Stephens
March 2, 2024 at 4:19 am
Our love and prayers go out to Marci, Sarah, Sarah’s family and Robbie.
I first met Johnny sometime in 1964, some sixty years ago. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with him and Marci within the last few ten days. Johnny was the same person in 2024 as he was in 1964. He is the most honest person I have ever known. I say is, rather than was, because he will alway live in my heart. I treasure the times I spent with him through the years. I know that I will continue to miss his companionship.
James Minton
March 1, 2024 at 3:52 pm
I knew Johnny way back in the 1960s. He was an incredible guy then and he carried on with his many accomplishments.
Vanda Rogers Tidwell and Kenny Tidwell
February 29, 2024 at 4:35 pm
So many memories with Johnny and all of them are happy. Prayers for Marci and her family. I can honestly say that every time I saw Johnny he was smiling and happy, outgoing and really made you feel the closeness of family. I will always cherish our times together and know that we will meet again and it will be a wonderful reunion. Thank you Jesus for blessing us with each other. It was a wonderful journey with Johnny.
Marci – I’m sending you lots of hugs and keeping you close to my heart. Courage and strength for you in the days ahead. And never forget the love…
Mimi and Bill Hagan
February 28, 2024 at 10:09 pm
We do not mourn as those who have no hope. We mourn the temporary separation, but know it is only for a time. Our prayers are with Marci and Sarah, and long for the day that our families will be reunited!
Sonya Rogers (Hancock) Peters and Todd Peters
February 28, 2024 at 9:33 pm
It is with such sadness that I write this. My heart goes out to Marci and their children and all of us remaining of the Hancock clan. As children growing up in our clan, our sense of family was strong .
Many days and especially Sundays were spent on the river and in the company of all our siblings produced by Grandma Ethel and Grandpa Jim Hancock. Memories that helped build our cornerstones of life in each one of us.
We suffer as a family, the loss of yet another “one of us”, but find our comfort in Knowing that Johnny is with our Holy Father in Heaven.
God bless his family and give them Peace, Comfort, Mercy and most of all, His Grace.