James Hendricks Cook

James (Jim) Hendricks Cook was born in Holly Hill, Florida, on January 10, 1941, to Dorothy and Gordon Cook. Although his early childhood brought many changes, Jim always felt blessed to have been lovingly raised by Ellen and James Peacock and their sons, Petie and Tommy. He credited the Peacock family for shaping the man he became and for giving him the foundation that led to his life's successes.
Jim graduated in 1959 from Mainland High School, Daytona Beach, Florida, and married his high school classmate, Joan Harvey in 1965. Together they welcomed their twin daughters, Karen and Susan and were married for 25 years.
Jim went on to dedicate his life to the military, serving with the Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army. Jim proudly served as a combat pilot in Vietnam, flying reconnaissance in a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog. Following his tour in Vietnam, Jim and his family spent nearly five wonderful years in Hanau, Germany-one of the happiest chapters of his military career. Assignments followed at Fort Rucker, Alabama; Smyrna, Georgia; and Fairbanks, Alaska, where he flew missions in the OV-1 Mohawk. He later retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 after completing his service at Fort Hood, Texas.
In retirement, Jim returned to aviation as a civilian pilot and later worked for Beech Aerospace at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California. Jim concluded his flying career and closed his flight logbook in 2000.
Jim then returned to Ormond Beach, Florida, where he reconnected with family and later met "his lady," Mary Anne Kennedy-whom he affectionately called Mamzell. After 19 years together, they were married in March of this year, to the delight of their friends and family.
Though his passing was unexpected, Jim lived a full and meaningful life as a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, son, uncle, friend, and exemplary military man. He proudly served his country in both peacetime and wartime. He never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand.
Jim's legacy of kindness, service, and unwavering dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife Mary Anne Kennedy Cook, sister Carol Cook Zimmerman, his brothers James (Petie) Peacock and Thomas Peacock, daughters Karen Cook Vergura and Susan Cook Harvey, his former wife Joan Harvey, and his granddaughters Ellie Vergura and Olivia Vergura Chriszt.
Forever in Our Hearts
Your love, courage, and generosity will remain with us always.