James W. Cook

Jim Cook, 92, of Creston, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Crest Haven Care Centre in Creston. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Powers Funeral Home in Afton. Pastor Mary O’Riley will officiate. Services will be livestreamed. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Afton. Open visitation, with the family to receive friends, will be 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., before services on Saturday at the funeral home. Casual attire is requested.

Memorials can be directed to the family to be determined. Online condolences may be made at www.powersfh.com.

James Walter Cook was born Sept. 10, 1932, the son of James Wavel Cook and Myrtle Irene (Blauer) Cook in Ringgold County, near Diagonal. His mother died when he was 9 years old so he stayed with grandparents, aunts and uncles, spending one year in Nebraska with relatives. He mostly went to country schools and Thayer through the eighth grade. He graduated from high school in Mount Ayr in 1952.

Jim was united in marriage to Donella Louise Marsh on June 29, 1952. In December 1952, Jim joined the United States Army and trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He then served for two years in Japan. After his discharge he farmed for a few years, then moved to Red Oak for four years and lived in Waterloo for two years, before making their home in Creston. For several years he worked in the sales field. He retired from Wellman Dynamics after 16 years. He spent his retirement making crafts and mowing yards. He mowed the Crest Haven Care Centre for 21 years, starting in 1998. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, boating and archery, as long as his health permitted.

Jim was a lifelong member of the Creston V.F.W., president of the Creston Boat and Ski Club where he helped organize ski shows at McKinley Park, president of the Archery Club and a member of the J.C.’s Club in Red Oak and Creston.

Survivors include his four daughters; Lynnette Gross of Apache Junction, Arizona, Lisa Johns of Creston, Leanna Cook of Afton and Lori (Rick) McIntosh of Creston; 17 grandchildren: Anthony Gross (Crystal Sterling) of Clarinda, Joel Gross of Apache Junction, Arizona, Michael Johns of Creston, Sonya Clayton of Creston, Janelle (Josh) Hamilton of Afton, Jayrd (Jacquie) Merritt of Creston, Caleb (Becky) McGuire of Afton, Jacob (Latisha) McGuire of Afton, Brooke (John) Berg of Creston, Rheanna (Tyler) Pettit of Creston and Shelbi Synder of Creston; 27 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Donella, who passed away a month ago to the day before him; his parents; his in-laws, Ray and Mary Marsh; his siblings, Richard (Marilyn) Cook, Marie Judah and Pat (Mike) Smith; son in-law, Sterling Johns; grandson, Jason Clayton; granddaughter, Vicky Gross and great-granddaughter, Oaklyn Grace.