James "Cookie" Cook, Jr.

Mr. James Cookie Cook, Jr., 77, of Colchester, Illinois formerly of Pekin, Illinois, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 5:30 PM at the home of his daughter, Rhoda Strang in Colchester.

Mr Cook was born June 22, 1930 to James Arthur, and Eddie Johnnie Gibb Cook in Burnside, Il.
He married Mary Ellen Krieg on April 12, 1946.

He is survived by two daughters, Mary (Mike) Woodside of Industry, Il. Rhoda (Michael) Strang of Colchester, IL, one Son, Dennis (Donna) Cook of West Plains, Mo.

Ten Grandchildren : Deborah ( Steve )Koltzenburg, Barbara & Brenda Fowler, Beth (Tyler) Carson, Jennifer (Scott) Dailey, William Scott Cale, Jared (Robin) Cale, Bill (Amy) Lair, Brandy (Todd) Gobel and Jason ( Kim) Melson.

Twelve great-grandchildren: Bailey Cale, Talan Cale, Lauren Carson, Mark & Bradi Bucy, Cassidy Lundgren, Brittany & Neely Gobel , Alexander Melson , Mindy, Megan, and Misty Dailey, one great-great grandchild: Chloe Hickle , and Mable Bitner of Pekin, a Dear Friend and Companion. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, an infant daughter Arita Ellen, three sisters, Alberta Starky, Edith Kinky Myers, Juanita Mae Cook, one brother Herbert D. Cook, and one granddaughter Rebecca Sue Cook.

Prior to moving in with his daughter, Mr Cook lived for 21 years at the Court Street Apartments in Pekin, IL where he had many friends. Mr Cook enjoyed riding his scooter and being outdoors as well as doing crafts.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, Illinois with Mel Blasi officiating. Burial will be in the LaHarpe Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home where the family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 PM Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the Hospice Unit of McDonough District Hospital. Or the American Cancer Society.