Obituary of James Ellis Cook

November 5, 1945 – August 11, 2018

James E. Cook. Age 72 of Trenton.

Loving father of Renee Cook and Lori (Benjamin) Marshall. Dearest grandfather of Tommy, Tyler, Tanis and Jorden. Half brother of Wallace Herbert Cook. 

FAMILY TRIBUTE

James (Jimmy) Cook, as his friends called him, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Mostly, in a little neighborhood called “Oakwood,” where mostly everyone was Italian and everyone was family, whether you were really related or not. He graduated from Southwestern High School in June 1963. He only had a few hobbies – cars, music, and girls! He worked long term for two companies. The first, as a clerk for a textile company, and then as a bridge operator for Delray Connecting Railroad where he would retire from around 2005.

Jimmy loved being in love, proven by his four marriages. He was “daddy” to two beautiful daughters, Renee and Lori, and granddad and grandpa to Tommy, Tyler, Tanis and Jorden. He loved to listen to live music, even running lights and sound for a band that he knew. Jim introduced his girls to music of Bob Seger, Motown, The Allman Brothers, and The Eagles. He was the one who took his girls to their first Rock ‘n’ Roll concert, KISS, in 1978!

Jim was a strong man, living through a tumultuous home-life as a child, and losing his dad at 19. He was also a two time cancer survivor! He went through his treatments, both times with strength and bravery.

He had one dog as a small boy, but when he was in his 40’s, Lori’s dog (Dog) had puppies and he kept one, naming her “Chloe.” He treated her like she was his child and spoiled her rotten. The girls called her their little sister and he loved her dearly. Her remains are with his remains.

He will be remembered most for having a great sense of humor, and always speaking his mind – whether you wanted to hear it or not. He was sarcastic, and logical, and smart. Jim would get teased by his family for being so organized and meticulous. His household supplies were on shelves that looked like a store, all the labels facing the front.

We will also remember him for being a very loving man. If he loved you, he loved you fiercely, and would protect you with his life! And if you hurt, he hurt too. If you were happy, he rejoiced in your happiness.

Right now, he’s looking down from heaven at us, wishing he could be in the room with all these people, family, and friends, having a drink and just visit for a while.