Raymond James Cook

Raymond James "Jim" Cook, 80, of Kewadin, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016 at his home. Jim was born on June 4, 1936 in Howell, the son of Raymond and Eva (Allbright) Cook. He graduated from Howell High School in 1954, and then received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Michigan State University, a member of Alpha Gamma Rho.

Jim was a NCAA National Champion gymnast, specializing in the rings and pommel horse. At a young age, he earned his pilot's license and ran a huge dairy farm in Howell, caring for several hundred cows. Through MSU he was proud to participate in experimental housing projects for cattle. In the 1970's, Jim moved to northern Michigan where he worked for the Department of Agriculture in Farmer's Home Administration. During this time, he was successful in helping many farmers keep their farms. Jim also worked security at Cherry Capitol Airport in the 1990's and upon retiring, worked part time at Gilroy's Hardware Store in Elk Rapids. Jim loved woodworking, fishing, hunting and especially camping with his family. He felt at peace when he was outside, in the middle of nowhere. He and his wife, Amy, spent many summers living in a tent by the lake and traveling. Jim's children have fond memories of riding in the back of his pickup truck and the many times he let them sit on his lap and steer the car. He was fun loving and always joking around. Jim was a member of the American Legion, Farm Bureau, NRA and Young Farmers of America.

Jim is survived by his wife, Amy Robinson; children, Deborah (Harvey) Lee, Daniel (Kim) Cook, Linda (Douglas Zimmerman) Cook, Susan (Mike) Arnot and Kevin (Tonya) Cook; stepchildren, Naomi (Brock) Sanderson and Jesse Janik; grandchildren, Jacob and Abbey Lee, Matthew (Terrenna) Cook, Rebecca and Jacquelyn Zimmerman, Emma, Anna and Claire Arnot, Dylan and Kylie Cook and Quentin Sanderson; great-grandchildren, Mason, Jesse and Lonnie Cook; and his dog Sparky. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Eva Cook; granddaughter, Michelle Cook; sister, Carolyn Cook.

A service in Howell was planned for January 2017 and one in Elk Rapids in the spring of 2017. Arrangements were entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Elk Rapids.