James Richard Cook

James (“Jim, “Jimmy”) Cook passed away July 16, 2026 at the age of 86 after a long battle with dementia, with his wife, Freda by his side.

Jim was born in Kirkmichael Ayrshire, Scotland and trained as a carpenter. In 1964 Jim married Catherine Anne Gray in Golspie, Scotland. In 1966 they immigrated to Canada and settled in North Vancouver. In 1970 they separated and later divorced.

Soon after arriving in Vancouver, Jim discovered his passion for skiing and for Whistler Mountain. While working as a carpenter for Rutland Engineering, he helped build the Medieval Inn in Gastown. The company later built Rutland Manor in Pemberton and then moved on to the Adventures West development on Alta Lake.

Rather than return to Vancouver, Jim chose to remain at Alta Lake, where he built his own home and partnered with James (Jazza) Kidd to form Commando Construction. They framed homes throughout the area until Jazza returned to Australia. Jim married Freda in 1973 and they shared a happy life together for 52 years.

Jim shifted his focus from framing to foundation work and established Callaghan Concrete Products. In 1980 and eager to provide a better service to the then newly incorporated Resort Municipality of Whistler, Jim added concrete pumping to his company and eventually a fleet of five pump trucks. He was a successful businessman until he retired at the age of 75.

Jim loved Whistler and Whistler loved him back. Known affectionately as “Cookie” he leaves behind countless friends and cherished memories. His legacy lives on in the stories and laughter and adventures shared by those who knew him.

Jim was a Charter Member of the Whistler Rotary Club. Jim down-hill and cross country skied, played hockey on Alta Lake, loved to bike ride and hike in Palm Springs, grew a beautiful vegetable garden, took up deep sea diving, windsurfed, fished, hunted, liked to dance and drink the odd “wee dram”, played soccer, golfed, was a pilot and commercial ultra-light pilot, and loved his Corvette. Not one to shy away from a challenge, he built his own two-seat ultra-light and took his maiden flight on the 9th fairway of the Whistler golf course (with permission of course!). He spent many happy hours flying around the mountain tops and landing on Green Lake.

Jim loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, Florida and California where he enjoyed exploring new golf courses. In his later years, Jim fulfilled his dream of owning a home in California, where he spent many happy winters golfing, hiking and soaking up the sunshine until he was 79.

Following a stroke in 2017 Jim and Freda left Whistler and moved to West Vancouver. In 2024 as his dementia progressed, Jim became a resident the Berkley Care Centre.

In Canada, Jim was predeceased by his nephew Marcus Negrin, and is lovingly remembered by his wife Freda; nephew James Clark (Lesley) and great nephews Alexander and Callum; Sister-in-laws Juanita Clark and Dawne (Garry) Negrin and their children Natasha, Britta, Anna, Joseph, Alexandra and Sophia.

In Scotland, Jim was predeceased by his parents James Eccles Cook, Joeanna Bryce Cook (nee Crighton) and sisters Jean Jardine and Elizabeth Macmorland . He is lovingly remembered by his sisters Rosanna Hunter and Fiona Gilmour, and many nieces and nephews including Amanda, Tony, Susan, Sharron, Malcolm, Joeanna, William in Holland and John in Australia.

Jim’s family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Berkley for their exceptional care, kindness and love they gave to Jim. A special thank you to his private caregivers especially Caroline, Sharon and Yiota for their devotion along with the caregivers at the Comfort Keepers Care Agency.

Jim lived life with laughter, curiosity, determination and a wonderful sense of adventure. Whether building homes, flying over mountains, golfing or sharing stories with friends, he embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C.

Date of a celebration of Life to be decided.