OBITUARY
James Lewis Cook
February 17, 1945 – January 20, 2021
James Lewis Cook was born February 17, 1945 in Dallas. He passed away on January 20, 2021 at age 75. He is preceded in death by his parents, Goldman and Alice Cook; Sisters Margo and Wanda Jean; and his brothers; Ronnie and Calvin. He spent nearly 30 years with Dallas County Treasurer’s Office. He opened and operated an ice cream store from 1987 to 1992, always serving up ice cream to locals with a smile. Jim believed strongly in blood donation having donated more than 15 gallons over his lifetime. He served his country for 2 years during the Vietnam War as an Army medic stationed at Fort Hood. Jim loved travelling around the US with his wife in their signature camper van. Together they visited all of the lower 48 states, Canada, and a 2 month trip to Alaska in 2014. Their desinations frequently included baseball stadiums, National Parks, and points of interest off the beaten path. Jim's love of travel also introduced him to the world of Geocaching, with hundreds of finds across the country as well as a multi-year quest to visit all 254 Texas county courthouses, which he completed in 2017. Although he was a CPA by trade, Jim spend most of his free time working with his hands. He had an insatiable curiosity about how things worked and how they were built. He always had projects going, from personalizing the camper van, to home repairs and improvements to sewing and woodworking. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jo Ann; children, Juliet Engelhart and husband Terry, Jeffrey Cook and wife Elizabeth, grandchildren Lucy, Malcolm and Valerie; sisters Dianne and Marie.
If you are unable to join us for the graveside service, please join us as we livestream the service on our Facebook page (see link below) https://www.facebook.com/GroveHillFuneralHome/
Services
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Graveside Service
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Memories
James Lewis Cook
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYKayla Beck
February 23, 2021
We were so fortunate to have Jim as our neighbor. Jim was always kind, incredibly thoughtful, and sincere. We will truly miss him, especially all the front-yard chats. Jim always had a great story to share, and we will always be thankful we had the opportunity to hear some of them.
Our deepest condolences,
Kayla and Clint
Bill Melton
February 21, 2021
Jo Ann and Family- Sincere condolences on Jim's passing. He may have been the most caring and gentle person that I have ever known.
As Dallas County Treasurer from 1977 through 2002, it was my privilege to have hired Jim as my Chief Accountant early in my Term. He excelled at the Position and was named "Employee of the Year" more than once.
Jim is one of a handful of people that teamed with me to enhance the Dallas County Treasurer's Office into a modern-day, electronic financial Office that made hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest from investments for the Taxpayers of Dallas County. Thank you Jim!
Jim was a hard working, dedicated, loyal employee, but also a friend, whose love of life I was proud to embrace. He was also
a great cook and made a delicious pecan pie.
I am proud that he reached his Goal of visiting every one of the 254 Texas County Courthouses and came up only one shy, Hawaii, of having visited all 50 States of the United States.
I have lost a great friend, great employee and family man, whom we can all be proud of for his lasting legacy of love and kindness.
May God Bless Jim and the Family.
Bill Melton
February 21, 2021
The photo was taken in 2012 at Jim's "Official"
Retirement from the Dallas County Treasurer's
Office and shows Chief Deputy Deborah Robison
presenting Jim with her "homemade" quilt.
Valerie Gilbert
February 19, 2021
It was always a pleasure whenever I ran into Jim and his wife, usually at some geocaching event , he was always the sweetest person I had the privilege of meeting. One of my fondest memories was when the TXGA went to Waco for a meeting. Only the North TX reps made it but we had such a fun night walking along a pretty shady area getting those caches. It made for a comical night and a heck of a story in the end. I will miss his hugs, yes I actually hugged him, and his smiling face. Sorry for your loss.
Richard Jaekel
February 13, 2021
I enjoyed knowing Jim Cook. He was one of my favorite Adults
when I was growing up. I always looked up to him. One of the things
I enjoyed was riding in his 1979 Dodge Aspen Station Wagon. Jim
also gave me a ride in his 1966 Chevrolet Corvair. Another thing, I
enjoyed was going to his Ice Cream Store. There I heard of the
saying “Life is uncertain have Dessert first”. I enjoyed the different
types of Ice Cream he served.
Sarah Bridgeman
January 30, 2021
Jim was a wonderful geo friend and came
To spring fling and fall fest in Oklahoma for several years. Showing up in his custom van and always bringing a home made pathtag box to donate for prizes. One year he made a special one just for me. I cherish it and have it out at least once a month and he signed his name
In the lid. He will be missed around the campfire telling stories of his soda jerk days. (Sodajerk was his geocaching name)
Carson Lynch
January 26, 2021
Jim was a wonderful neighbor. He was welcoming when we first moved in and always happy to help when we needed. Jim was thoughtful, kind and pleasant to be around. And like many know, he was crafty enough to fix just about anything!
He will be greatly missed by many in this neighborhood. We are praying for Jo Ann, Jeff, Julie and the entire Cook family. Please let us know how we can best show our love during this time.