Tributes have been paid to The Maritime Group (International) (TMG) Founder, Captain John M Cox III, following his death at the age of 93.
Captain Cox, who was said to be known as Jack to his friends, passed in Seattle on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, after a short illness, according to a press release.
Captamit Malcolm W Parrott, managing director of TMG’s UK arm, The Maritime & Aviation Group (International) Limited (TMAG), said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of CaptaimJohn Cox.”
“He was a titan of the maritime industry. He led TMAG from its inception in 1990 to the major global maritime consultancy it is today. Our deepest condolences and thoughts go to all of Jack’s family and friends.”
According to the press release, Captain Cox recently retired as chairman and president of the group (International). He remained chairman and CEO of the board of the Black Ball Ferry Line of Seattle, Washington State, USA, at the time of his death.
Captain Cox was born on Dec. 5, 1930, and graduated from the California Maritime Academy. He also attended the University of Washington in Seattle and California State University in San Francisco, majoring in various courses. He was married to the late Judy, having had children Madison, Laura and Toby, before marrying his second wife Jean.
Captain Cox served on multiple vessels and ships before working in the U.S. Geological Survey in the Department of the Interior. He worked as master and captain at various cruise lines, senior vice president/general manager at Western Cruise Lines, Inc and then consultant for United States Cruises.
He was senior vice president at Admiral Cruises, Inc, and founded The Maritime Group, Inc (TMG) in Seattle in 1990. Captian Cox was also involved in numerous projects worldwide focusing on cruise and ferry operations, and terminal and port development.
His list of industry appointments included president of the Northwest Cruise Ship Association and the Alaska Steamship Association. He was a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, The Marine Society of the City of New York and Society of Marine Consultants, to name a few.
Captain Cox was recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award by the California Maritime Academy, and was named Maritime Person of the Year by the Pacific North West Chapter of the Council of American Master Mariners.
Captain Parrott assumed the mantle of interim TMG president and chairman, following Captain Cox’s retirement in November 2024. He will remain in post until new appointments are made.
