James "Jimbo" Foster Cook Jr.

James Foster Cook, Jr., fondly known as “Jimbo”, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on June 11, 2019. Jimbo was preceded in death by his parents, James Foster Cook and Mary Brown Cook. Jimbo is survived by his two sisters, Mary Anne Cook of Smyrna, GA; Connie Cook Vanderpool of Falls Church, VA; nephew and nieces – Ron Vanderpool (Kelli, and great-nephew/niece - Trey, and Callan) of Dacula, GA; Mamie Vanderpool Sheldrick (Drew, and great-niece/nephew – Elise and A.J.) of Madison, AL; Amanda Vanderpool Rippy (great-nieces/nephew – Anna, Lily, and Harry).

After finishing his elementary education at Julia Green Elementary, Jimbo attended and graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy in 1966. While at MBA he was the Captain of the Golf Team, member of the Wrestling Team and received the superlative award for being “The Wittiest” of his class. A natural entertainer Jimbo, and his band the “Famous Flares”, was often found behind a microphone entertaining friends with dance moves and singing of songs James Brown and Elvis. For college, Jimbo attended Vanderbilt University, graduating in 1970. While at Vanderbilt he was a member and served as Social Chairman of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and became an avid fan of all VU sports.

Professionally, Jimbo started his career in commercial real-estate with Caldwell Banker in Dallas and then moved to Atlanta in 1974 to become the first salesman Coldwell Banker east of the Mississippi. After a few years in Atlanta, Jimbo returned to Nashville to continue his career and eventually founding Cook Properties, LLC, in 1980. Specializing in retail and restaurant properties, Jimbo also specialized in restaurant expansion in southeastern states. Along with trusted partners, Jimbo was a key in the expansion of Logan’s Roadhouse, O’ Charley’s, Golden Corral, and many other national, regional and local chains including The Corner Pub and the original Dalt’s.

Jimbo was an active member of many social and professional organizations including; Vanderbilt Alumnae Association, National Commodore Club, Richland Country Club, Rotary Club, Nashville Board of Realtors, National Registry of Who’s Who, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, National Restaurant Association, Council of International Restaurant Brokers, International Council of Shopping Centers, and Trinity Presbyterian Church. His hobbies included golf, playing cards, sporting events, speaking passionately about his politics, walking his dogs Jake and Foxy, attending concerts, and telling funny stories and jokes. He enjoyed meeting many nationally-known sports, entertainment, and political people.

Jimbo was beloved by his family and friends epitomizing the phrase “Live, Laugh, Love”. He was an honorable man, generous with his emotions, quick-witted, caring, loyal, sensitive to the needs of others, and a man of conviction and faith. He brought joy to all around him with his engaging personality and infectious laugh.

Visitation with the family of Jimbo Cook will be on Monday, June 17, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church located at 3201 Hillsboro Pike in Nashville. The Memorial Service will be held also be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, June 18, 11:30 am with the family arriving at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers a donation can also be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church in honor of Jimbo Cook.