J. Gordon Cook

Cook, J. Gordon
Passed away January 6, 2015 at the age of 87. He leaves his beloved wife (Jeanne), three children, a son-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arizona became his home in 1941. He served in the Army Air Corps for three years and was honorably discharged in 1947. After college he went on to law school at the University of Arizona and graduated in 1951. He became a member of the State Bar of Arizona the same year. In 1953, he was asked by Robert Renaud (who was also his mentor) to join McKesson and Renaud (which became Renaud Cook Drury Mesaros, PA). Over a long and brilliant career, he was not only a well respected trial lawyer bringing over 300 cases to a jury verdict, but he also argued cases in front of courts at all levels, including a successful argument before the United States Supreme Court. He was also one of the founders of the American Law Firm Association (ALFA), the first worldwide network of independent law firms. In 2009, he was recognized as an Industry Icon by Attorney at Law Magazine. In 2014, he was awarded the highest possible rating by Martindale Hubbell in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards which is the AV Preeminent Rating and the highest level of Professional Excellence. As requested, there will be a private service attended by family members only. His favorite charities were any Veteran program through the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Arizona Humane Society. He was an honorable, well respected and a much loved man by his family, friends and peers. In addition to his love of the law, he enjoyed much throughout his life including running marathons, exercise, golf, traveling and so much more. His greatest joy, aside from the law, was his beloved "Sun Devils". He was a Sun Angel as far back as can be remembered. He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.