James Graden Cook Jr.'s Obituary
James Graden “Jimmy” Cook, Jr., 76, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away on January 26, 2024.
He was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1947 to Graden and Bernice Cook. Growing up, James enjoyed being outdoors and fishing with his family. In 1965, he graduated from Messick High School before marrying his soulmate, Elsie Jeanette Phelps, on July 17th of the same year. He enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a part of the 77th Artillery, 4th Infantry in the Vietnam War. For his courageous actions at the Battle of Suoi Tre, Sargent Cook earned several medals - including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for valor. Through the Army’s Project Transition program, James realized his career path with the United States Postal Service. During his accomplished 35 year career, he devoted much time and effort to the National Association of Postal Supervisors as the Vice President of the Tennessee Branch. During this time, he also acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Memphis State University.
James was a natural born leader and teacher – coaching and umpiring numerous sports teams, as well as mentoring youths at multiple schools and organizations. He also enjoyed playing golf, traveling and seeing the country with his wife and son. In later years, James took great joy in watching his grandson, Brady, play several sports – especially soccer. He was fiercely loyal, honest, strong, had a heart of gold, generous to a fault and a gifted craftsman.
Mr. Cook is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Jeanette Cook; son, Brian (Kristin) Cook; grandson, Brady Cook; brother, David (Judy) Cook; sister Barbara (Romeo) Vega; along with many cherished family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Graden Cook, Sr. and Bernice Burrows Cook and a brother, Phillip Cook.
Visitation will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, followed immediately by the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The burial service will be at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, if you choose to do so, memorial gifts may be made to one of Mr. Cook’s favorite charities: Wounded Warrior Project, Salvation Army, Boys Town or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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