A Tribute to Dr. Joseph T. Cox, Headmaster of the Haverford School
Joe Cox was many things. He represented the best of humankind, soldier, educator, poet and someone I am proud to say was my friend. I have posted his obituary at the end of this blog to be reminded of his unique contributions to our world and to the military and as Headmaster in particular. Read it and listen to his poetry and be reminded of the goodness of God’s creation.
We live in a time when the leadership of the military has been bringing a style of manhood and leadership that has brought controversy and disdain from many. Joe Cox’s life is a reminder of all that is honorable about the military. He cared deeply about those who he led on the battlefield and in the corridors of an all-boys school. You will see at the top of his obituary that his students identified his gift of approachability.
He welcomed diversity in all its forms. He was a working-class person who experienced diversity in its many forms throughout his life. Where people would look at difference, Joe looked for common ground in all things.
There is one moment that sticks in my heart and soul. EA lost one of our students in a terrible automobile accident. During that same week Joe and the Haverford School lost a student who died in a car crash as well. The schools in the Inter-ac are closer than most people realize. We celebrate and grieve together. Joe and I talked about how to help our schools move through this week of tragedy. I told Joe that his school had him at just the right time. He represented the connection among self, others, and God. His students loved him. His greeting of me always contained a hug and warm words.
There are words at the end of a hymn, Come Labor On, that we sing in EA’s chapel that are our parting words for Joe.
“Come labor on,
No time for rest, till glows the western sky,
Till the long shadows o’er our pathway lie
And a glad song comes with the setting sun,
Servant, well done.”
Thank you for your service, Joe!
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