Capt./Ch. James Leary Cook
Capt./Ch. James Leary Cook, USNR-Ret., 85, of Hillsboro, passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Jan. 13, 1939 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
He was a devoted husband, loving father, respected grandfather and distinguished Navy veteran.
Jim was a 1957 graduate of James A. Gray High School in Winston-Salem, N.C. He went on to the Cincinnati Bible Seminary, AB; University of Cincinnati, BA, (Psychology); Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, M.Div; Xavier University, M.Ed.; and University of Cincinnati, Ed.D.
He was a member of Psi Chi (National Honor Society in Psychology) and a Certified Instructor in Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.).
He was an ordained minister in the Christian Church/Churches of Christ, serving several congregations in Kentucky, Indiana and North Carolina. He was also an Associate Professor for nine years at the Cincinnati Christian College and Seminary (previously Cincinnati Bible Seminary) and later at Florida Christian College in Kissimmee, Fla. He taught at the Central Christian Church's Christian School in St. Petersburg, Fla. and later served on the board of the Hillsboro Christian Academy. He was dedicated to benevolent causes and missions, serving on the board of Christian Arabic Services for several years.
He was commissioned as a chaplain to the U.S.A.F. Active Reserve, Oct. 23, 1973, then transferred to the U.S. Navy Active Reserve for most of his career, where he retired as Captain. During his Naval chaplaincy, he served assignments in the states and abroad and with both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard.
After retirement, the Cooks moved to Hillsboro, where he has been a member of the Hillsboro Church of Christ.
Chaplain Cook leaves behind a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to know him, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were touched by his kindness, courage and dedication. He is remembered for his unwavering commitment to the Heavenly Father; his love for family, friends and country; and the Father's work worldwide.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Christine DeCamp (Mackey) Cook, whom he married June 13, 1959; three loving children, Sharon Cook Price, Elizabeth Ann Cook and David Earl (Michelle) Cook; seven grandchildren, Jonathan (Kathryn) Maupin, William Maupin, Andrew Thomas, Samuel Thomas, Gabrielle Cook, Elisha (Harley) Cook and Ethan Cook; three great-grandchildren, Quinlyn Maupin, Teagan Maupin and Harrison Maupin; and nine nieces and nephews, Donna (Eric) Case, Tommy (Tracie) Cook Jr., Martha Mackey, Kathleen (Al) King, Virginia Graham, Tristan Mackey, Stuart (Amber) Mackey and Mark (Susan) Mackey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Jimmie Lee (Foster) Cook Jr.; his younger brother, Tommy Earl Cook; and niece, Robin Walk.
Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hillsboro Church of Christ, 155 W. Walnut St., Hillsboro 45133. Funeral Service will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the Hillsboro Church of Christ with Brad Clouse officiating.
Graveside services will follow at the Hillsboro Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with military honors conducted by the Highland County Honor Guard.
Family requests memorial donations to the Hillsboro Church of Christ.
To sign Jim's online guest book, please visit www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com, or to leave a like, comment, or share, visit the Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Care Facebook page.