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James Cook Obituary
Family-Placed Obituary
COOK, James Edward age 52 of Dayton, OH passed away Monday, Aug. 1, 2005 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Martha Cook. He is survived by his brother Walter and wife Penny Cook of Centerville, niece Megan Cook, and nephew Kyle Cook, Aunts Ruth and Audrey Bates, both of West Liberty and Lucy Persinger of St. Paris, OH. James was a 1971 graduate of Stivers High School and a 1996 graduate of Antioch College. James was a vital member of St. Paul's United Methodist church there he held several key leadership positions and active in the Dayton south district as a certified lay speaker. He began working for the Dayton Metro Library at the Ft. McKinley Branch in 1976 and in 1980 moved to the Burkhardt branch. There he served on the SWAT team when the library converted to the DRA automated system. In 1991, at the invitation of its director, John Cole, Center for the Book, at the library of Congress, James attended the national symposium, "Developing the Lifetime reading Habit: Library, Youth, Elders." He was a Young Adult Specialist for the Dayton Metro Library. He truly was an amazing person in every respect and touched the lives of everyone he met. James attended his first American Library association annual conference in Dallas, TX, in 1989 and has attended every conference since then. James went out of his way to befriend those who were attending their first conferences to make them feel more at ease. Over the years he has attended many dinners with well-known authors of young adult books and counted many of these people as personal friends. James was a member of the Ohio library council since 1977; served as chair of the Young Adult Task Force and its subsequent young adult division, he also served on OLC's Intellectual Freedom committee and its diversity awareness and resources committee. He oversaw tremendous growth in Young Adult usage in the Dayton library system and made welcoming teens into all locations a priority. James had a talent for sparking an interest in reading a good book and was often invited for school presentations throughout Montgomery County. He served on the Buckeye Book Award Advisory Board for the teen literature section. He served on the Ohio Public Library information network (OPLIN) teen advisory board. He taught Young Adult Literature as an adjunct professor and served on an advisory board for the School of Library and Information Science at Kent State University. He served on the Virginia Hamilton Conference Advisory Board. He was a popular speaker on the state level at American Library Council and Ohio Educational Library Media Association meetings. In the American Library Association he served on both the Newbery Award and Margaret A. Edwards Award Committees and was currently serving on the Michael L. Printz Committee. He chaired the YALSA Intellectual Freedom Committee. He loved attending library conferences. Books and libraries were his passion as well as music, church, the Dayton Dragons baseball team, and his brothers family. Funeral Services 10:30 am Saturday Aug. 6, 2005 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church 101 Huffman Ave. Dayton, Ohio 45403; Pastor Beth Holten officiating. Final Resting place Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 5-8 pm Friday at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME E. THIRD ST. CHAPEL 1817 E. Third St. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church in James' memory.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Cook
Mary Wenzel
July 29, 2022
It's hard to believe that 17 years have gone by since Jim's passing. I will call him Jim even though I only was privileged to meet him once, at a YA conference for one of his awesome, standing-room only book talk sessions. I'm still at the same library as I was in 2005, though I have transitioned away from teen services and now focus on the younger kids. That was not my choice, but I think I'd be struggling to connect with today's teens. The social media landscape and society in general have changed a lot in the 12 years I've been away from working directly with the teens. I wonder what Jim would make of the current landscape or if he would think it was more of the same as it had always been. Shortly after he left us, the Ohio Library Council paid tribute to his services to the library community by creating Ohio's own award for outstanding teen literature of the year and naming it the James Cook Award. It was the very least they could do for a man who'd done so much for libraries in his home state and beyond. In the context of this award, his memory is at the front of my mind every year when the winner is announced. I hope there are limitless books in Heaven and I suppose Jim will read them all. I will have some serious catching up to do when I join him.
Leon Bey
August 19, 2005
James was a library colleague and a good friend. In January and June this year I drove with James to library conferences in Boston and Chicago. We talked about loss and grief--we both lost our mothers this year. James was very dedicated to DLGC and joined me on the library's first negotiating team for a labor contract. James was an inspiration during difficult times. He truly loved all people and was very consistent in challenging prejudice and discriminaton. James' GLBT book talks were the best. James was a great tease with a good sense of humor. I will miss you good friend.
Melora Ranney Norman
August 18, 2005
I knew James as an ever-friendly, ever-professional presence in the library intellectual freedom community. He will truly be missed.
Susan Hill
August 15, 2005
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was an incredible advocate for young adults and inspiring to us all. I will miss his friendly, smiling face at conferences. He was a special man.
Donn Hellinger
August 11, 2005
James and I sat at the same table the past two years as we participated in the United Methodist Church's Lay Ministry Academy. I so appreicated his insights and gentle manner. It was a blessing to spend time with you James.
Susan Raboy
August 10, 2005
James had made friends with folk from across the country & I was honored to be included. This past June while at Book Expo he came to my apt for dinner. We talked and laughed and talked some more. His emails always included a tidbit about his family. How he loved them! It seems as if I've known James forever. We served on Margaret Edwards together and currently on Printz. He had the gift of being able to always make you smile. I can still hear him laughing. I will miss my dear friend and can't imagine a conference without him. A great loss for YA.
Julie (Pfeiffer) Leidtke
August 9, 2005
He certainly did show up. And thank God he did. I had the good fortune of first meeting James through Elaine, the previous poster, many years ago when I was just a fledgling in the world of library service to teens. I was awed by his knowledge of teen lit. When I asked him how he knew so much he mentioned he read 5 or 6 books a week. Woah. Even now, I'm good to get in two. Thank you, James, for your friendship and guidance, your inspiration and belief in what it really means to be a librarian. You were one of the coolest. I'll remember you always.
Elaine (Fultz) McGuire
August 8, 2005
A bumper sticker reads, “Get involved. The world is run by those who show up.”
James Cook helped run the world – his family’s world, his church world, and of course, the library world. James showed up to everything he possibly could, especially ALA, OELMA and SOYAMRG professional meetings. He knew that being involved was extremely powerful. He knew that his physical presence in the room impacted his profession, which in turn, affected the young people he worked to serve.
James was a headliner at OELMA conferences. He packed the seats with school library folks eager to hear his booktalks about the latest and greatest in young adult literature. He unapologetically sang the praises of controversial but excellent titles. He could have modified (censored) his list for the more selective school crowd, but he didn’t. James showed up for us, showed up for the students who need these books. Whether or not we purchase them for our libraries, we know they exist and can knowledgably guide a student in need of their stories.
There is also an element of “carpe diem” in that bumper sticker. We all skip some things even though we know we should do them. Show up for the things you believe in. Sometimes that means volunteering for extra work and meetings, but sometimes that means leaving work behind to show up for a nephew’s soccer game or for an evening with friends at a baseball game.
James is gone, but his influence isn’t. Because he showed up.
Another Piture of James at the harry Potter party
August 8, 2005
James at a Harry Potter Party
August 8, 2005
Birthday Ad
August 8, 2005
Family Picture from 70's last one we took :o(
August 8, 2005
High School Grad Picture
August 8, 2005
Brothers-James and Walter
August 8, 2005
Young James
August 8, 2005
baby James
August 8, 2005
Judy Sasges
August 8, 2005
James was always an ALA conference "anchor" for me. We'd invariably connect at meetings or receptions and start chatting like we'd seen each other only the day before instead of months earlier. I always enjoyed hearing about his latest favorite book or current work project. He will be missed.
Mary Wenzel
August 8, 2005
I first encountered James as a new librarian attending one of my first state conferences. His astounding breadth of knowledge concerning young adult literature & his obvious passion for his work have been inspirations to me since then. I aspire to be more like James, both as a librarian & as a human being. He will be missed by so many not only in Ohio, but all over the world. It's my hope that he has heard those most deserving words, "Well done, good and faithful servant", and that I will meet him again someday.
Jana Fine
August 7, 2005
To me, James will always be there at ALA conferences. I will see his smile, his enthusiasm for books and life, and his joy of people in every teenager's face I will encounter. Thank you, James, for letting me spend time with one of God's very special angels.
Christine Findlay
August 7, 2005
On behalf of the Ohio Educational Library Media Association, I wish to express our deep sympathy at the loss of our friend and colleague. It is difficult for us to imagine our events without him. His knowledge was an amazing gift he shared with us, but his wit was his endearing quality. Regretfully, our August meeting conflicted with the services for James. While we were unable to attend, we did spend time talking about how wonderful it was to have James in our lives over the years. We were blessed and enriched by knowing James.
Kevin Smith
August 6, 2005
James was a wonderful human being. He reminded me of my father - if he teased you, you knew that he liked you. I always enjoyed stopping by his cubicle at work because I knew that at some point we would be laughing.
James had a deadly sense of humor. He was always able to poke fun at people’s foibles without the slightest bit of meanness. I always walked away from James feeling better about myself. It was wonderful to see or hear other staff members stopping by to talk to James as well. Invariably they, too, would leave smiling or laughing. A visit with James was a chance to refuel and then carry on with your day. What more basic gift can a human being give to another?
I will also miss James’ presidential election predictions. A true political junkie, James would submit his predictions to me every four years (broken down by individual states with percentages for each state & each candidate!). With a twinkle in his eye, he would always remind me that he had predictions for the governor’s and senate races, too, if I wanted to see them.
James was the best.
May he rest in peace.
Carol Wichman
August 6, 2005
To express the pleasure of knowing a person in life is the best way to honor him in death.
James has left his mark on our profession.
Carol Wichman
Earl House
August 6, 2005
I worked with James & went to church with James, & considered him one of my dearest associates for the 26 years I was privileged to know him. When I first moved back to Dayton in 1979, he was the first official friend I made & remained so for the duration. Since he was such a human dynamo in terms of all the service he did in so many organizations through the years, it seemed initially impossible for someone with such boundless energy for goodwill to ever experience something as trivial as death. You have humbled & awed all of us, dear friend. Be happy & know you & your good works will never be forgotten....
Ralph Sanderson
August 6, 2005
It is with great sadness that I learned of James' passing from a mutual friend in Dayton. A good and caring person and friend to many. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.
Sheila Ference
August 6, 2005
I have known and worked with James for 14 years. I have always looked forward to seeing and talking with him. He was always upbeat and happy and I liked that about him. Along with many people he worked with each week, I too will miss him a lot! He used to sing all the "Sheila" songs that have ever been written, to me. There are not very many, but he sang them all. I think he even made some up! We will meet again, James!
Ilene Cooper
August 5, 2005
In behalf of all of James' friends at Booklist magazine, let me extend our condolences to the family. James will be missed by the library community.
Jessica Mize
August 5, 2005
James was my friend and a mentor to me. I will miss seeing him and conferences, and sharing e-mails in between. He was one of the only people I ever met who was not afraid to be friendly and give a compliment. I will miss his laugh and his encouragement. James Cook was an extraordinary human being. His work certainly motived me during his life and will continue to do so in his memory.
Joan Kaywell
August 5, 2005
James often sat a little behind me during the ALAN Workshops. One year I captured a wonderful photo of him napping during an author's talk that I often ribbed him about (to his credit he was only resting his eyes, but I never let on that I knew that). He was a good guy and a great ALAN advocate. I will miss his laugh, his knowledge, and his kindness. Heaven's received another angel.
Chris Crowe
August 5, 2005
James was a kind, quiet gentleman. I was pleased to get to know him through our mutual involvement in young adult literature, and I'm sorry to hear of his sudden passing. We'll miss him.
Esther Murphy
August 5, 2005
As one of the folks in "the YALSA office" I met James at Conference and appreciated his hard work on YALSA committees. Even at the time of his death he was serving on the Michael L. Printz 2006 Committee. His contributions to youth services in libraries will be sorely missed.
Cindy Welch
August 5, 2005
A lovely, lovely man who will be missed by so many people. If the measure of a man is the number of people who will mark his passing, James is indeed a great man. My sympathy to his family.
David Gill, ALAN
August 4, 2005
I met James through ALAN and enjoyed his quiet company and insights at our annual meetings. He's a good man. I'm glad to have known him.
Peg Oettinger
August 4, 2005
I had know James for a number of years through ALA, having had the pleasure of working with him on the YALSA IFC and was saddened to learn of his passing. I always looked forward to seeing him at ALA, including at IFC events and the Edwards Luncheon and having the chance to chat. James was an enthusiastic supporter of teens and their right to access information and a tireless promoter of reading. He certainly will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Condolences to his family and friends everywhere.
Gretchen Persohn
August 4, 2005
I knew James through our work together on the OLC Intellectual Freedom Committee. He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched, and that was so many people. He will never be forgotten.
Pam Spencer Holley
August 4, 2005
I think I speak for everyone in YALSA that our friend and fellow librarian James Cook will be missed and mourned. Our library community was enriched by his service; I know that ALA conferences won't be the same without him.
jennie hengehold
August 4, 2005
words cannot say everything on the tragic loss of a very special and amazing man who came into many of our lives now is gone, but never will be forgotten, he will live in all our hearts forever. It came to a great shock to us all to know that he had gone to Heaven that monday morning. I have worked with James for 3 yrs here at dayton metro, All of you that knew him better than i have my most heartfelt sympathies right now.
Debbie Landon
August 4, 2005
James, I am so glad I got to spend time with you and to learn from you before I moved to Florida. You are my "Hot Tub Buddy" and I will never forget your sweet kindness ... thank you.
Charli Osborne
August 4, 2005
I recently met James at a library conference (where else?). He seemed such a genuine person, nice and open, easy to talk to. I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to get to know him more.
Linda Johns
August 4, 2005
So much of my reading in the past few months has been based on James's recommendations and comments. I loved his insight and passion for books. He is missed already.
Ed Sullivan
August 4, 2005
James and I bonded over our mutual love of young adult literature. I always looked forward to seeing him at ALA and NCTE conventions and having a chance to sit and discuss our most recent favorites. He was an insightful, passionate reader with a wonderful sense of humor. His presence will be greatly missed.
Bonnie Demarchi
August 4, 2005
No matter which literature conference I was attending, I always knew I would see James and know at least one friendly face in the crowd. He was proud of being a "conference junkie". It was always a pleasure to talk with James.
Jan Chapman
August 4, 2005
James was a powerful advocate for young adult literature and for intellectual freedom in libraries. What I remember most about James was his good humor and his dedication to his profession. James, you will be missed.
Stephanie Squicciarini
August 4, 2005
I only met James recently, at a YALSA/ALA pre-conference this past June. But even having just met him, his passion for Libraries and Young Adult Literature and his contagious laughter were all pure treats to be near. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and all who knew him and were touched by his spirit.
Kimberly Paone
August 4, 2005
I had only just met James at the first gatherings of this year's Printz committee in June, so I feel robbed of the experience of really getting to know this kind and obviously dedicated man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time... but I like to think that wherever James is right now, he's happily surrounded by wonderful books!
Diana Tixier Herald
August 4, 2005
I can't imagine going to library conferences or any conferences dealing with teens and books and not seeing James there. He has been a constant presence in YALSA all the years I've been attending ALA meetings. His quick smile and delightful sense of humor will be missed.
Cathy Hochadel
August 4, 2005
I wish there was a way to tell teens everywhere about James Cook - about his love and kindness, his laugh and his wit. I wish there was a way to tell them all that James was truly their unsung hero.
Ann Conway
August 4, 2005
My association with James began with a workshop at OLC SW Chapter a number of years ago. He caught my attention for his interest in teens & teen literature. James will be greatly missed by the library community, as a whole, and by the people whom he energized and mentored in the teen services community.
Kat Kan
August 4, 2005
I never worked with James, but I've known him for years, through ALA conferences and when I spoke at a OH YA conference. He was always cheerful, courteous, fun, and charming, and never failed to greet me with a great big smile whenever our paths crossed. My condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers. I'm blessed to have known him.
Teri Lesesne
August 4, 2005
James was an incredible person. I so enjoyed listening to him talk about books. I saw him just a few weeks ago at ALA in Chicago where we had a lovely conversation over dinner. He was so pleased to be serving on the Printz Committee. I will miss James and his passion for books and reading and kids.
Susan Riley
August 4, 2005
I met James many years ago at an ALA conference, and was struck by his kindness and intelligence. Speaking for many other librarians, we all suffer a great loss from his death, but we all now hope that he now rests in peace with his beloved mother. We will miss you, James!
Mary Arnold
August 4, 2005
James will always remain a special soul to all of his library friends (James personified the adage that strangers are only friends he hadn't yet met!) As we reflect on just how many ways his influence and knowledge will continue to be felt, we know his legacy is secure.
But, James, you can never be replaced, and the "presence of your absence" will permeate the library world for a long, long time, my friend.
Deborah Taylor
August 4, 2005
James was a wonderful colleague and friend. His passion for Young Adult Services was an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed.
Deborah Taylor
Diane Tuccillo
August 4, 2005
I met James at the Scholastic luncheon in New York during ALA in 1994, and after that we became very close friends, as well as professonal colleagues who supported and encouraged one another. Besides ALA, James was very involved in the Adolescent Literature Assembly of NCTE (ALAN), where he was currently serving on the Board. Just last week, we were in the midst of planning our attendance at the NCTE conference in Pittsburgh this fall, sending e-mails back and forth about getting the best deals on room rates and joking around; then I learned the shocking news of his sudden death Monday. Blessedly, I had had a joyful and wonderful dream about being with James Sunday night, and was thinking how lucky I am to have such a great friend when I woke up replaying the dream in my head Monday morning. I will keep this dream in my heart, along with an amazing array of memories about a man I loved, admired, and shared not only my career working with teens, books, and libraries with, but also my Christian faith. My dear James, you are already sorely missed. Love, and a Giant Hug, Diane
Betsy Levine
August 4, 2005
I was just beginning to get to know James a little through our work together on the Printz Award Committee and was stunned to hear of his death. I will miss his gentleness and his careful insightfulness about YA literature. Rest in peace, James.
Brenda Dutton
August 4, 2005
James & I worked together for years in Dayton & since moving to Columbus it was always a joy to see him at conferences and workshops. We could catch up on where mutual friends & collegues were, who had been fortunate enough to retire and our lives since we last had a chance to chat. His passion for libraries and teens will be sorely missed.
Laura Durham
August 4, 2005
James was such a gracious and caring person with a wonderful, mischievous sense of humor that was always sure to brighten your day. He loved to tease people and I had such fun being teased by him or listening over the cubicle wall to him teasing others. It is too quiet over there now. I miss you very much, James. Be at peace.
Jerry Laub
August 4, 2005
I have known James through our participation in the Southwest Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group (SOYAMRG). His enthusiasm for reading and his knowledge of YA literature have been an inspiration to me. I will miss his professional advice, his wit, but most of all I will miss his friendship.
Due to family obligations I will be unable to attend the visitation or funeral, but I extend my deepest condolences to the family.
Sandie Farrell
August 4, 2005
I had the absolute pleasure of serving on both the Margaret Edwards and Printz Award committees with James. I cannot imagine coming to American Library Association conferences and not seeing James, being warmed by his thoughtfulness, and inspired by his work with teens and young adult literature. He will be greatly missed.
Jeannine Wilbarger
August 4, 2005
James will be missed by all who knew him. He was a very kind man and a friend to all.
I have known him nearly all of his library life and called him a friend. I will miss him.
Joy Denlinger
August 4, 2005
James, you will be missed....
RoseMary Honnold
August 4, 2005
James always made library conferences so much fun. He was entertaining at mealtimes, gracious and accomodating to newbies, good counsel to colleagues. I will miss him very much.
Maggie Bollar
August 4, 2005
James was the most amazing man I've ever met. He was warm and kind, and so enthusiastic about libraries, books, and teens. What I think was the most special thing about James was that he had an absolute acceptance and love of others that radiated out to everyone he met. When you met James, you knew he thought you were a special person, and you felt his love and acceptance through his hugs and his smiles.
I will miss James so much. I honestly can't imagine libraries without him. I loved him.
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