UPDATE: John Cobb’s Final Gift: A Family’s Faith and the Lives He Saved
SPRINGFIELD, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – In the days following a tragic incident over the July 4th weekend that left Springfield resident John Cobb on life support, the community has followed his story with prayer, hope, and heavy hearts.
Cobb was struck in the head by a stray bullet while walking with family near a lake in Winchester, Tennessee, a tragic accident that left him unresponsive and ultimately on life support. FULL STORY
Today, John’s wife, Michelle Cobb, has released a personal statement reflecting on the events of that day, the days that followed, and John’s final gift, the donation of his organs to save the lives of others. Her letter, shared below in its entirety, offers a glimpse into their faith, their journey, and the legacy John leaves behind.
“Thank you so very much for your prayers and concerns,” said John’s wife, Michelle Cobb, in a statement. “John and I were celebrating the Fourth of July at Tim Ford Lake with family at Twin Peaks Marina in Winchester, TN. There were eight of us walking along the road back to the gated area where we rented a house when John fell to the ground. We tried to get a response, and I turned him over. Then I was able to administer CPR until the ambulance arrived. John was life-flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital where he has been on life support since.”
I believe in my heart that John was instantly taken to heaven as soon as the bullet entered his head because there was never a response from him. However, the fleshly yet faith-filled part of me wanted to believe that he was going to come back to me in the hospital. I did see movement three different times, and hope was stirred in my heart. However, it was explained to me that the movements were involuntary and something that commonly happens.
John and I have always been radical, faith-believing people because we have received many miracles in the 28 years we have been married. For example, his eye was struck with an object while working on a car, where the color was coming out of his retina, his tire machine blew up. It could have decapitated his head, but right at the moment of the explosion, he turned his head and only injured his finger. I was hit with a transfer truck and dragged 762 feet, yet did not even break a fingernail. I’ve been through breast cancer twice, and we have our miracle baby Ashlynn when I wasn’t even supposed to be able to get pregnant or carry her full term. Amazing, right?
So when all of this happened, I was hoping for another save from God. However, I know God had a different plan. John was on life support until last night, brain-dead for all of these days. Then last night, we took our last walk together as he was taken to surgery, donating organs to three people who will have lives that they would never have expected.
John was the most unselfish, giving man I have ever known, and I’m very proud to call him my husband. I have attached the letter that was sent to me early this morning, explaining the donations. Again, thank you so much for all of your prayers and love for John and our family. We will miss our vivacious, anointed, full-of-life husband, father, and friend. We are so proud of you, John Cobb! I love you. I love you. I love you. — Michelle.”
Letter this morning from TDS (Tennessee Donor Services)
“Michelle, I can hardly put into words the profound impact John will continue to have on others. He gave a gift most of us will never have the chance to give: the gift of life to multiple people.
Donation was complete overnight.
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We are still looking for a recipient for his left kidney. I will keep you updated.
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His liver and right kidney went to a 52-year-old man in Virginia, giving him a second chance at life.
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His lungs brought hope and breath to a 58-year-old man in Tennessee, giving him years he never thought he would see.”
Official Obituary of
John L. Cobb
August 22, 1963 ~ July 5, 2025
61 Years Old
Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home.
John Larkin Cobb, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 61. He was born on August 22, 1963, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to Marge Cobb and the late Bill Cobb.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Michelle Lynn Cobb (McDonald) and leaves behind a large and loving family: Mother Marge Cobb; daughter Jennifer Spangler (Cody); grandchildren Addison, Ansley, and Owen Spangler; daughter Ashlynn Cobb; sisters Laurie Wicezorek (Dave); Kathy Davis, Cheryl Cobb, and Pam Cobb-Crawford. Brother-in-law Jeffrey (Jennifer) McDonald.
John graduated from Bloom Trail High School in Sauk Village, IL. He went on to become an ASE-certified technician and later owned and operated successful businesses in Springfield and Madison.
John served as a reserve deputy and mounted patrol officer for Robertson County. He found great joy in a wide range of adventurous activities, including water sports, four-wheeling, motorcycling, skiing, roller skating, horseback riding, and driving sports cars.
John was deeply devoted to his faith and was actively involved in the church community. He served faithfully as an associate pastor and as a praise and worship leader for many years.
He was passionate about sharing the love of Christ with everyone he met, always stressing the importance of knowing Jesus and embracing the gift of salvation. His heartfelt request to all would be this:
If you do not know the Lord, accept Jesus into your heart, believe that He was raised from the dead, and you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
SERVICES: John’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 12th at 2:00 p.m. at Regeneration Nashville Church with Pastor Kent Christmas officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Grove Cemetery in Joelton with Jeff Marchio, Dave Wieczorek, Austin Foster, Rob Foster, Leonard Swann, Michael Frazier, Cody Spangler, and Jerry Converse serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Owen Spangler, Jace Marchio, Scott Creel, Jeff McDonald, Kevin Witvliet, Billy Caira, and Chris Hunt. The family will receive friends at Regeneration Nashville Church from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Regeneration Nashville Church Bridge Ministry.
Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home.
