Thomas Jackson Cook

Thomas Jackson Cook also known as Tommy, Tom, Dad and PopPop, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on August 25th 2025 surrounded by his loving family.  He is survived by his beautiful wife and partner for 68 years, Diane Shafer Cook and their three children, Shari Cook, Lisa Cook Born and husband Michael Born, Thomas (TJ) Cook II. and wife Johnna Cook. Tom is also survived by his 6 grandchildren Stephanie Born Harrigan, Brianna Born, Maria Cook Chandler, Julia Cook, and Jackie Cook; and five great grandchildren, Nora Chandler, Emily Chandler, Oliver Lloyd, Lucy Lloyd and Sofia Harrigan.

Tom was a man of strong Christian faith and did not hesitate to share Jesus with others in his prayers and music.  He was the kindest man you will ever meet and was a friend to all.  He was a devoted husband that loved his wife deeply and knowing each other for 69 years, shared a wonderful life together. 

Tom was born in Waynesboro, VA in 1936 and grew up in Radford with his parents George Andrew Cook and Julia Christine Rea Cook, and three sisters, Elaine Cook Manaugh, Jane Cook Long, and Betty Cook Clayton who all preceded him in death.  He studied Horticulture at Virginia Tech (VPI) and graduated in 1958.  While there, he was in the ROTC and played the trombone in the Highty Tighties Band.      

Tom married Diane in 1957.  After college graduation he worked as a landscape architect doing design and planting.  He retired after 31 years as Chief of the Ground Maintenance and Landscaping Branch at National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD

While in Maryland he was a long-time member of the Mill Creek Parish Methodist Church in Derwood where they lived for 32 years playing guitar for the Folk Choir. Tom was a talented carpenter like his father. Tom and Diane loved camping with the 3 kids every summer. Later they camped across country.

When Tom and Diane moved to Lake Monticello they enjoyed family, boating and the outdoors.  They were members of  Palmyra Methodist Church.  Tom was a volunteer for  Meals on Wheels was in the Radio Broadcasting Club, and the RC Flying Club.  While there he continued playing guitar with family and friends. 

In 2021 Tom and Diane moved to 'The Harmony at Greensboro' retirement community in NC continuing to enjoy family and music. 

Services:

Graveside ServiceSaturday August 30, 202510:00 AMRockgate Cemetery981 Crozet AveCrozet, VA 22932

A celebration of lifeSaturday October 4, 2025  10:00 AMHarmony at Greensboro3420 Whitehurst RdGreensboro, NC 27410

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Caring for Creatures at: www.caringforcreatures.org

Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Services of Crozet, VA