Jeremy Raymond Courtney Cox, 57, of Waterloo, Illinois, formerly of Shaftesbury, Dorset, England left this world suddenly on May 25, 2023. He was born on September 24, 1965, in Crawley, Sussex, England.
Jeremy was a self-proclaimed “aviation geek” who became fascinated by aircraft at 9 years old. He held the same fascination for the remainder of his life. He started his career with mowing the runways at Compton Abbas Airfield near his boyhood home – he washed the planes; he asked questions; he learned mechanics; and he learned to fly. He was elected to the Royal Aeronautical Society and worked as a technician for the Royal Navy. He worked in flight refueling and towed targets. He came “across the pond” to learn crop dusting and was invited back to teach the class. He accepted the offer. In the 32 years he spent in the U.S., he proudly became a citizen and worked around the world from the greater Saint Louis area. He was a mechanic, a pilot, and an author. He sold aircraft and modifications to aircraft. He brokered the sale of business jets and finally found his unique niche in his own business appraising aircraft. He had a special fondness for warbirds and enjoyed the challenge of appraising anything no longer in the pricing guides. He was certified by the American Society of Appraisers as a Senior Appraiser with Machinery & Technical Specialties/Aircraft. He was president of the Greater Saint Louis Business Association, and Chapter 64 of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He enjoyed being a member of countless professional associations. He also enjoyed world travel. Jeremy never met a stranger. He was a light in this world who could often be heard saying, “I love my life,” “I had the best childhood,” “I love my wife,” “I have the best job in the world,” and/or “I’m the luckiest man on the planet!”
Jeremy is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Anthony Cox, and his first wife, Deborah Ann Cox ne Reimert.
He is survived by his wife Kimberly Cox ne Anusewicz, his mother, Christina Cox ne Clarke, his brother Justin Martin Alan Cox (Poppy, Jack, Henry, Rosie, Daisy), a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and many, many, many friends.
Services: A memorial service and celebration of his well-lived life will be held Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 3:00 PM followed by a repass at:
Zoar United Church of Christ
9103 D Rd.
Columbia, Illinois 62236
Please bring your stories and laughter to share with us all as we come together to support one another in our grief and celebrate the life he loved.
Since it was Jeremy’s wish to be cremated there will be no viewing.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial donations be made in Jeremy’s name to the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Scholarship Program which offers scholarships to deserving individuals pursuing careers in aviation. They can be reached at EAA Young Eagles Contribution Form. Please indicate “scholarship fund” in the comments.
Simply a great man. How to help someone was always Jeremy’s focus. His loyalty to a friend was without boundaries. Whatever was needed…. he’d try to answer the call.
The world lost a Champion and heaven gained one.
Our hearts are with you all at this trying time. Jeremy just joined our organization. We would like you to know in our entire history no one has ever been so universally loved and accepted. Our hearts are sad beyond words at his departure. May you let God carry your sorrow at this temporary separation and look to The Rejoin in the West when the time will be as nothing. — The Organization of Flying Adjusters
Jeremy, a favorite cousin. We are grateful for the joy that Jeremy brought through his bubbling personality. On our travels, whenever we were within striking distance of each other, Jeremy always had time to meet up and share happy tales. The “luckiest man on the planet” loved his work and his life. We miss him.