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James Carl Cook

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James Carl Cook

Birth
Death
3 Jun 2008 (aged 77)
Burial
Camarillo, Ventura County, California, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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James Carl Cook, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family after an extended illness.

James was born on March 20, 1931, in Omaha, Ill. James moved quite a bit throughout his younger years because of his family's commitment to the military. James graduated from high school in Oahu, Hawaii, in 1947. He took numerous college courses in math, physics and engineering and received a perfect score on his professional engineer's exam.

James always had a deep love for his country, and in demonstrating this, he joined the United States Navy in 1948. He had a very distinguished career both as a member of the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), where he served two tours in Korea, and continued his naval career helping the Navy develop its radar technology as a fire control technician. He received numerous commendations and awards, including three Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in battle, multiple good conduct citations, and a fleet Outstanding Service Award. Though he never boasted about his numerous accomplishments, his outstanding performance and dedication to duty were recognized by all.

After leaving the Navy in 1967, James went to work for Vitro Laboratories. In a 20-plus-years career at Vitro, James was credited with inventing key design aspects of important Navy missile systems, radar systems, guidance and launching systems, test and evaluation systems such as the RAM, Tomahawk cruise missile, and the Standard missile. After retiring in 1989, James went on to form his own company called Cook and Associates. The Navy found him far too valuable to simply let him retire. James finally left the working world altogether in 1994 to pursue his true love; spending time with his wife and family.

James married the love of his life in 1951, Betty. They were childhood friends who fell out of touch but reunited their friendship through a chance meeting of Betty with one of his relatives. They shared a love of family, faith in God, and travel that lasted throughout their marriage. Betty always enjoyed watching James play his keyboard or work on his model airplanes. James took great pleasure in preparing the house and food for the Stitches from the Heart group to come and enjoy fellowship while doing the work of the Lord. Anyone who came to James's house knew that he took pride in keeping up his flowers, and their house always looked "ready for inspection."

James will be lovingly missed by his wife, Betty; son Robert (wife Sherree); daughter Holly (husband Douglas); son David (wife Andrea); grandchildren, Matthew, Crystal, Erin, Ashley, Alexander, Eric and Wyatt; and great-grandchildren, Cameron and Donovan.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and appreciation to three very special people who helped James immensely on his difficult journey: Dr. Keith Eilerman, whose loving care was always comforting and reassuring to James and his family; Bill Bradle, who was always there to serve James with a ride to the doctor, spending time with him as only a friend could or with communion; to Trish, whose care of Betty always allowed James to concentrate on his battle, and not on whether his beloved wife was OK. To you three, thank you is not nearly enough to repay you for your service to our husband and father.

A private viewing and private interment will take place on Saturday. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at Camarillo Christian Church. All friends and family are encouraged to come share in the remembrance of such an outstanding patriot, husband, father and friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Camarillo Christian Church.
James Carl Cook, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family after an extended illness.

James was born on March 20, 1931, in Omaha, Ill. James moved quite a bit throughout his younger years because of his family's commitment to the military. James graduated from high school in Oahu, Hawaii, in 1947. He took numerous college courses in math, physics and engineering and received a perfect score on his professional engineer's exam.

James always had a deep love for his country, and in demonstrating this, he joined the United States Navy in 1948. He had a very distinguished career both as a member of the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), where he served two tours in Korea, and continued his naval career helping the Navy develop its radar technology as a fire control technician. He received numerous commendations and awards, including three Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in battle, multiple good conduct citations, and a fleet Outstanding Service Award. Though he never boasted about his numerous accomplishments, his outstanding performance and dedication to duty were recognized by all.

After leaving the Navy in 1967, James went to work for Vitro Laboratories. In a 20-plus-years career at Vitro, James was credited with inventing key design aspects of important Navy missile systems, radar systems, guidance and launching systems, test and evaluation systems such as the RAM, Tomahawk cruise missile, and the Standard missile. After retiring in 1989, James went on to form his own company called Cook and Associates. The Navy found him far too valuable to simply let him retire. James finally left the working world altogether in 1994 to pursue his true love; spending time with his wife and family.

James married the love of his life in 1951, Betty. They were childhood friends who fell out of touch but reunited their friendship through a chance meeting of Betty with one of his relatives. They shared a love of family, faith in God, and travel that lasted throughout their marriage. Betty always enjoyed watching James play his keyboard or work on his model airplanes. James took great pleasure in preparing the house and food for the Stitches from the Heart group to come and enjoy fellowship while doing the work of the Lord. Anyone who came to James's house knew that he took pride in keeping up his flowers, and their house always looked "ready for inspection."

James will be lovingly missed by his wife, Betty; son Robert (wife Sherree); daughter Holly (husband Douglas); son David (wife Andrea); grandchildren, Matthew, Crystal, Erin, Ashley, Alexander, Eric and Wyatt; and great-grandchildren, Cameron and Donovan.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and appreciation to three very special people who helped James immensely on his difficult journey: Dr. Keith Eilerman, whose loving care was always comforting and reassuring to James and his family; Bill Bradle, who was always there to serve James with a ride to the doctor, spending time with him as only a friend could or with communion; to Trish, whose care of Betty always allowed James to concentrate on his battle, and not on whether his beloved wife was OK. To you three, thank you is not nearly enough to repay you for your service to our husband and father.

A private viewing and private interment will take place on Saturday. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at Camarillo Christian Church. All friends and family are encouraged to come share in the remembrance of such an outstanding patriot, husband, father and friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Camarillo Christian Church.


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  • Created by: Ron West
  • Added: Sep 12, 2011
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76421000/james_carl-cook: accessed ), memorial page for James Carl Cook (20 Mar 1931–3 Jun 2008), Find a Grave Memorial ID 76421000, citing Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo, Ventura County, California, USA; Maintained by Ron West (contributor 47389384).