James Edward Cook Sr.

Jim Cook was born in Seattle to Carroll and Wyanona Cook. The eldest of four children, sister Beverly (Ragsdale), brothers Jerry (deceased) and Corky Cook.

Like most people the early years of Jim’s life influenced the balance of his years. If it went fast and had wheels Jim loved it. Anything mechanical was a curiosity and if his Dad Carroll was tinkering, so was Jim. The Cooks were outdoor people who enjoyed gathering with friends and family and were happiest when gathered at the family cabin on Lake Kachess in Kittitas County. The long drive down the road to the cabin was always worth the bumpy, stuffy and very dusty ride.

Jim graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955. It was at Lincoln that he took notice of a friendly cute blonde sophomore named Beverly Burns. Despite the long odds Beverly later agreed to marry Jim and the cornerstone for all his success in his adult life was set.

After graduating Jim embarked upon a 38 year career at the Boeing Aircraft Company. Jim’s career was a remarkable success story as he progressed from casual laborer to management and later as an instructor in the emerging field of non-destructive testing. Not too many know that Jim shared several US Patents as a result of his work developing new methods for the testing stresses in laminated airplane parts. His career success allowed Jim to travel the world extensively living for time in Hawaii and extended stays in Australia, Egypt and Hong King. Jim took tremendous pride in his Boeing career and contribution and could tell the latest news about the company years after his retirement.

Jim was preceded in death by Beverly, his wife of 33 years. Together they raised daughter Cindy and son Jim Jr. This tremendous loss was followed by a great find in wife of 17 years, Deanna Cook. Overnight, his happy family became a happy, large family. Combined, Jim and Deanna shared their love and affection with 7 children, 18 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Jim had numerous and varied interests and possessed a lifelong love of learning. He built boats; restored antique cars, coached little league, played the accordion and organ and after retiring from Boeing, learned to fly. A man of strong opinions Jim was famous for prefacing advice with “let me clue you”. It seems likely that when Jim made his first introduction in heaven he began with: “Let me clue you, I had a damn good life”.

A memorial service to be held at Acacia Memorial Park 14951 Bothell Way N.E. Monday, April 1st at 2:00 pm.

www.acaciafuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Northwest Kidney Centers.