James Cook age 76 of Springfield went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, August 21, 2014. Jim was born in McGirk, Missouri to Jeptha Cook and Louise Pace Cook who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by grandchild Andrew Jordan Cook.
Jim professed his faith in Christ at a young age and was ordained as a deacon as a young adult in Kansas City. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Springfield until his illness prevented it.
Jim served in the United States Marine Corps following high school. During his early work career he studied management through Lincoln Institute. In 1977 Jim and Shirley started Central States Industrial in Jefferson City. They moved the company to Springfield in 1984.
Jim had many hobbies including travel (particularly driving), fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Stevenson Cook; two sons, J. Mark and wife Julie, and Steve Cook, both of Springfield; and a daughter, Elizabeth Ipock and husband Ellis of Seymour, MO; a sister Sue Ellen Gump and husband Garnett of California, MO and seven grandchildren, Matthew Blackmon and wife Christina; Karmen Cook; Emily McColgin and husband Matthew; Aaron Ipock and wife Julie; Jordan Cook ; Spencer Cook; and Lawson Cook.
Services for James will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 23, 2014 at First Baptist Church 525 South Street Springfield Missouri under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, August 22, 2014 in the funeral home.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to The Jim & Shirley Cook Scholarship Fund which has been established to provide educational opportunities.