James Arthur Cook

James Arthur Cook, 88, peacefully departed this life on November 10, 2025. Born on October 31, 1937 in Greenville, SC to Charles and Quinnette Cook, Jim graduated from Central High School in Charlotte, NC and enlisted in the Air Force in 1957. In 1972 he married Vera and became a loving stepparent to Tom, Tami, and Shari, with Melanie joining the family in 1975. Jim retired from the Air Force in 1981 as a senior master sergeant. He obtained his B.S. in Occupational Education from SIU, then his M.S. in Human Resource Management from Chapman University. He filled a variety of roles with Pierce College, ending with his retirement in 2003 as a program coordinator at McChord AFB. Jim was proceeded in death by his stepdaughter Shari and grandchildren Shayna Bales, Tara Bales, Gavin Power, and Desmond Power. He is survived by Vera of Gig Harbor, Tom (Traci) LaStrange of Riverview, FL, Tami (Bill) Snowden of Parker, CO and Melanie (Lee) Power of Edmonds, WA as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Internment at Tahoma National Cemetery.