James Ellis Cook

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of James Ellis “Jim” Cook on May 10, 2026, at the age of 81. Jim was born on November 13, 1944, in Saint Johns, MI, and lived most of his life in DeWitt, MI. He was a family man who always had a smile on his face and was about the nicest person one would ever meet.

Jim was raised on a farm outside of Carson City, MI with his parents and sisters. He grew up milking cows before school every day, as well as the other chores that come along with living on a farm. Jim loved farm life and even as dementia started taking his memories, he never forgot the farm. After graduation from St. Mary Catholic School in Carson City, he attended Ferris College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He married the love of his life, Judy, in 1967. They moved to Buffalo, NY where Jim was working on a master’s degree at New York University. The Vietnam War changed their plans. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and, along with Judy and their newborn baby, moved to Newport, RI to attend basic training and officer training school. The move turned into a lifetime love of the New England coast that Jim and Judy would visit every year. Jim was then lucky enough to be stationed in San Diego, CA where they lived for four years. They made the most of their time in California; exploring beaches, mountains, and national parks. Many memories were made, but when active Naval duty was over, the decision was made to move back to Michigan to be closer to family.

Jim and his family settled in DeWitt, where he was close to his job in Lansing with Burroughs Corporation. He worked as a computer programmer, a skill learned during his time in the Navy. He later worked for the State of Michigan Criminal Justice Data Center, from which he retired. Jim and Judy raised their three children in DeWitt, where many friends were made while enjoying their life on Lake Geneva. He also enjoyed his farm land in Carson City-Crystal where he would hunt, chop wood, or read a book. In later years, he liked nothing better than to drive up to the land and walk around the woods.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, in 2009, and their son, Jason, in 2025; parents, Bernard and Geraldine (Halfmann) Cook; Sister and brother-in-law Judy and Bill Fife; parents-in-law John and Barbara Wireman, brother-in-law John Wireman, and brother-in-law Richard Goodell.

Jim is survived by his two daughters Kim (Ron) Schuler and Stacy Datema, as well as his daughter-in-law, Becky Cook; Sister, Janie (Sal) Calcagno; Sister-in-law, Ida Goodell; Grandchildren, who he was so proud of and loved so much, Tyler (Ronni) Schuler, Josh Schuler, Elizabeth Schuler, Nolan Datema, Olivia Datema, Katelyn (John) Cook, Brett Cook, and Reyana Cook; as well as his great-grandson, Chase.

Visitation will be held at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in DeWitt on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., with service at 11:00 a.m., and a luncheon onsite to follow.

Kim and Stacy wish to extend their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at The Woodlands of DeWitt for their outstanding care and kindness.

Memorial donations may be made to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation at https://elaracaringhospicefoundation.org/donate/.