Clerk who modernized DuPage County courts dies
John Cockrell liked to work, but he was always looking for a way to make the work easier.
"He wanted to take the work out of work," former DuPage County Circuit Clerk Joel Kagann said of the man who preceded him in that post from 1971 to 1991. "Rather than have 100 clerks type the same thing in 100 books, why not type it once and have it show up 100 times."
It was Cockrell's efforts to make work for his employees more effortless that led him to be the first court clerk in the state to computerize his office.
"We never got computers though, we just got the remnants of the what the computers replaced," joked daughter Theresa Cockrell.
John Cockrell grew up with parents involved in community activities in Downers Grove, and he carried on that tradition as a justice of the peace, precinct committeeman, magistrate and eventually five-term circuit clerk. Even after he retired from office in 1991 and moved to Eagle River, Wis., he joined his retirement community board.
"Because it needed his attention, according to him," Theresa Cockrell said.
The former circuit clerk credited with implementing several technological innovations died last month at his home in Wisconsin at 87.
"I think he was just totally worn out," his daughter said. "He and my mom have always been working people and he didn't stop when he got home from the office.
"He helped our neighbor build an addition onto his house and then they built a garage," she added. "Other people remember him in a suit and tie, but I remember him in overall bibs and a bandanna. Up until six months ago he was still chopping wood."
Even when his work almost killed him, it turned out to be a good thing. Cockrell suffered a serendipitous fall at the old courthouse in Wheaton in 1974, his daughter said. When doctors examined him, they discovered one of his kidneys was cancerous and removed it before the cancer could spread.
"Thank God for that fall," Theresa Cockrell said.
John Cockrell graduated from Downers Grove North High School and then joined the Army, fighting in the Pacific during World War II. Following the war he started an excavating company and married the former Helen Cinker in 1949. In less than a decade, his political life began with his election Downers Grove Township justice of the peace.
"He was proud to be a judge and presided over really local stuff, but I think he loved being court clerk," Theresa Cockrell said.
Besides the technological advancements he made during his 20 years at the helm, DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom remembers Cockrell as a loyal boss to his employees.
"He was a strong advocate for that office," Schillerstrom said. "He was always there to fight for his people and he did a good job of hiring some really good people who are still there."
Schillerstrom believes the office's success with computers and other technology pushed other county officials to pursue similar advancements.
"It certainly quickened the pace," he said.
Kagann said his former boss wasn't wasteful with the technology either. Instead of scrapping outdated technology, Kagann said Cockrell would sell it to other clerks around the country to help fund upgrades.
John Cockrell is survived by his wife and three daughters, Theresa, Susan Sheldon and Janis Gorski. He also leaves behind a sister, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and scores of friends, Kagann said.
"I've lost a great friend," Kagann said. "I was pleased to be on the journey with him."
A memorial Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4824 Highland Ave., in Downers Grove. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Kalmar Senior Center in Eagle River, Wis.