Jeremy Douglas Cook

Jeremy made his grand entrance into the world on March 22, 1975 in Kansas City, Missouri. The first of three, unsurprisingly stubborn and raucous, children born of Richard & Deborah Cook. He was by far the most special, in all the best ways.

Jeremy was born with Cerebral Palsy as a result of a birth trauma but he never let that stop him from smiling, ear-to-ear with the cutest of dimples. There was no way to maintain a bad mood in his presence. Whether you were called to sing (and dance… don’t forget the moves) a rendition of Itsy-Bitsy-Spider, quack like a duck, or boop his nose while playing peek-a-boo, Jeremy’s demeanor, playfulness and personality were infectious. He was our world and we were grateful to be a part of his journey.

The challenges and hardships Jeremy endured throughout his life would have ruined lesser-willed people. Jeremy was strong both physically and emotionally and he inspired true compassion, selflessness, unconditional love and a sense of awe and wonder in everyone he met. If you were female and happened to have blonde or red hair you held a special place in his heart. In his younger years he had quite a reputation for chasing young fair-haired ladies around. If you were a dark haired female he generally thought you were related and would try to snuggle you. If you were male, congratulations. Nothing against the men in his life but you were essentially decoration.

Knowing Jeremy, being in his presence and having the opportunity to entertain him, comfort and support him through the ups and downs of his life was nothing short of magical and oftentimes quite humorous as well. We’ll forever be grateful to have known and loved him.

Jeremy is survived by his father, Richard Cook; his 4 sisters, Jana (Bryant) Jeffery, Amy Cook, Heather (Derek) Fine, and Stephanie Cook; 9 nieces and nephews, Lacie (Dallas) Cook, Stephen Jeffery, Avi (Michael) Urton, Morgan Briggs, Alexander Cook, Collin Martin, Kai Jeffery, Henry Fine and Emmet Fine. His Aunts and Uncles, Alice & Larry Self, Steve & Phyllis Cook, and Laura Dudley; Cousins, Allan Self (Greg), Jason Cook (Jayme), Casey Cook, Michael Alexander (Victoria), and Shawn Alexander (Geri). He was preceded in death by his adoring mother, Deborah Kay Cook, his grandparents Jack Cook, Pearl Woods, and Helen “Nana” Shafford; Great Grandmother, Ruby Powell; Uncle Robbie Cook, Aunt Daphana “Dee” Cook, Uncle Tommy Alexandar, Aunt Debra Alexander; Cousins, Christopher Sharber, April Dudley, and Julie Cook.

Jeremy will be laid to rest at Newcomer’s Floral Hills Cemetery located at 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO in a private ceremony. His Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 19th from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm at his sister Jana’s home at 5813 Haskins St, Shawnee, KS 66216. All are welcome and face masks **will be required** while indoors. In his honor, feel free to wear red for his favorite character Elmo, yellow for his favorite animal, the duck, or black for his favorite nursery rhyme, itsy bitsy spider.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you instead make a donation to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (https://www.yourcpf.org/) in Jeremy’s honor.