James R. Cook

James R. Cook, 92, of Rockford, IL passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 in his home. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jeannine. He was born July 3, 1929 in Clinton, IA the son of Charles and Myrtle (Usher) Cook.
James attended East High School, graduating in 1946. He went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army (1948 – 1954) where he obtained the rank of Staff Sargent. James married the love of his life, Jeannine Riley on March 31, 1951. He worked as a production manager for Mechanics Universal Joint, a division of Borg Warner. James was active in many things and lived life to the fullest. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and served as a Scoutmaster for 7 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. He and his wife were members of St. Bernadette Catholic Church where he sang in the choir. James served as president of the Men’s Garden Club and as president of the Parker Woods Association. James was also a member of the 4th of July Committee, a volunteer chaperone with DCI Champion Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corp and a member of the Shamrock Senior group. James had a deep faith and was a member of St. Mary’s rosary makers. He enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, reading cowboy books, golf and walking. James never met a stranger and was always willing to help others in need. James will be deeply missed by his family.
James is survived by his children, Michael (Clarice) Cook of Lafayette, CO, Colleen (Tom) Stinson of Rockford, IL, John (Karla) Cook of Rockford, IL, Therese Dalton of Winnebago, IL; son-in-law, Ricco Ramirez of Rockford, IL; Brother, Richard (Shirley) Cook; sister, Nancy Neff of Rockford, IL; grandchildren, Shawn (Maria) & Ryan (Kristi) Cook of Denver CO, Jim (Nicole) Stinson of Park Ridge, IL, Sarah Stinson of Rockford, IL, Jeremy Cook of Riverside CA, Matthew (Mary) Cook of Beumont CA, Benjamin Cook of Riverside, CA, Dionne (Chris) Martin of Parker, CO, Elise (Jen) Dalton of Sydney, AU, Christopher Dalton of Brooklyn, NY, Josh Cook of Rockford, IL, Seth Cook of Rockford, IL, Alec Ramirez of Rockford, IL, Anthony (Syd) Ramirez of Rock City, IL; great grandchildren, Luna, Maja Camina-Cook of Denver, CO, Ryder Cook of Denver, CO, William and Evelyn Stinson of Park Ridge, IL, Max, Maizey, Maddie, Marshall Cook of Beumont, CA, Oscar and Juniper Martin of Parker CO, Fletcher Dalton of Sydney, AU, Zoey Cook of Rockford, IL and Vika Ramirez of Rock City, IL; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeannine; son Daniel and daughter-in-law, Patti Cook; daughter, Ann Cook Ramirez; grandson, Jonathon Cook; father Charles Cook and mother, Myrtle Cook; brothers, Robert, Donald, Thomas and David Cook; sisters, Joan Kessel, Charlene Williams and Judy Kalen.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave. Rockford, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Poor Clare’s, Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main St. Rockford, IL 61102.