A man that a former Sapulpa Times writer called a “once-in-a-lifetime-educator” turned 100 on Monday, March 2nd, and joined the Centenarians of Oklahoma to celebrate a monumental milestone.
“John Andrew Cockrum has devoted a lifetime to service in education, military duty, and the Sapulpa community,” according to a statement sent to Sapulpa Times by the Centenarians of Oklahoma.
Born in Claremore, Cockrum—who is also a member of the Cherokee Nation—graduated from Claremore High School in 1943 and left for San Diego the same week to join the US Navy. According to the Claremore Museum of History, Cockrum had been moved to enlist from the day he saw news of the Pearl Harbor attack at a theatre in Claremore.
He volunteered for the Submarine Service and, after training, was deployed to the Pacific to fight in World War II. Assigned to the submarine USS Pirhana, Cockrum was involved in the sinking of several Japanese ships and survived numerous depth charge attacks. His entire unit later received the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, and Cockrum himself received the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Combat Action Medal, and US Navy Good Conduct Medal.
Upon returning to the United States, Cockrum married Carolyn Bryant, and while he was in college getting his education degree, they had their only child, Debbie. John and Carolyn enjoyed a long marriage of over 70 years before Carolyn’s passing in 2017.
Cockrum began his distinguished educational career in 1949 and served as a teacher, principal, and athletic coach in three school systems before landing at Sapulpa Schools as the principal of Sapulpa Junior High in 1960.
As recounted in our previous story, “Do You Remember … John Cockrum?” In the fall of 1965, Cockrum—by then the principal of the high school—was there to welcome the first black students at the newly integrated Sapulpa High School. He met them at the door and assured them they were welcome at Sapulpa High.
As many of his students and coworkers will attest, Cockrum’s desire and compassion for his fellow man (and woman) extended beyond his students.
In 1967, teachers who became pregnant were not allowed to teach during their pregnancy. They were forced to resign and were not promised a position should they choose to return. Cockrum again bucked the norms in school policy when he stood before the school board and implored them to allow the expecting Barbara Armstrong to continue her teaching career. She was allowed to finish out the school year and return in the fall after her daughter was born.
Cockrum spent 28 years at Sapulpa Public Schools, retiring in 1988 after nearly 40 years of service in education.
In addition to the storied career at SPS, Cockrum has been involved in numerous other civic and church organizations, serving as elder, trustee and deacon at Sapulpa’s First Presbyterian Church; Life Member and past President of the Sapulpa Lions Club; past Director of the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, and past President and Director of the Oaks Country Club.
In 2023, Cockrum sat for a series of interviews with the Claremore Museum of History, during which he discussed his childhood, his service, and his career. This extensive set of interviews is available to watch for free on YouTube:
Proclamation for “John Cockrum Day” at City Council
March 2nd, 2026, was declared “John Cockrum Day” by proclamation at the City Council on Monday evening. Though Cockrum himself was unable to attend, his friend and Reverend Wally Johnson of Sapulpa’s First Presbyterian Church was present to accept the proclamation on his behalf.
The full proclamation can be read here, but here’s a paraphrased version:
The City of Sapulpa is celebrating the 100th birthday of John Andrew Cockrum, honoring what officials describe as an extraordinary lifetime of service to education, his country and the community.
Cockrum is widely regarded as a “once in a lifetime educator,” whose leadership, compassion and commitment helped shape generations of students in Sapulpa Public Schools. His century of life, city leaders said, has been defined by service, sacrifice and devotion to others.
He began his career with Sapulpa Public Schools in 1960 as principal of Sapulpa Junior High School. In 1963, he became principal of Sapulpa High School, the role for which he is most remembered. During his tenure, he also served as district business manager and assistant superintendent of schools for support services. In all, he dedicated more than 27 years to public education before retiring in 1987.
Beyond his administrative titles, Cockrum served as a mentor, counselor, disciplinarian and advocate for students — many of whom later became judges, elected officials, attorneys and community leaders.
Cockrum also honorably served in the United States Navy during World War II. He joined the Navy in 1943 and served aboard the USS Piranha, an attack submarine in the Pacific Theater, before completing his service in 1946.
He remains active in the Sapulpa community and continues to support public education through the Sapulpa Public Schools Education Foundation, including the annual John Cockrum Golf Tournament, which benefits classroom grants for teachers.
Mayor Craig Henderson formally honored Cockrum for his lifetime of service to education, his military service to the United States and his enduring influence on the city. The proclamation declares March 2, 2026, as “John Cockrum Day” in Sapulpa in celebration of his 100th birthday.
