Jon Leslie Cook

Jon Leslie Cook, 81, of Leland, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on August 8, 2025.

Born on November 22, 1943, he lived a life marked by distinguished service, diverse passions, and a deep love for his family. Jon graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1967, the Navy Postgraduate School in 1974, and the Canadian National Defense College in 1991. He earned four professional designations: Certified Planner, Commercial Pilot, Coast Guard Master, and Amateur Radio (Ham) license.

A proud veteran, he served his country with honor for 30 years. His military career included the USS America and USS Talbot, commanding officer of two Navy helicopter squadrons, logged 890 flight hours and 492 combat missions in the Republic of Vietnam from April 1969 to April 1970, Worldwide Military Command & Control System Engineering Organization in Washington DC, and member of the Disability Evaluation Board at Naval Hospital, Bethesda MD. Jon retired in 1992 as a Captain in the U. S. Navy.

After his military career, Jon brought his leadership and expertise to the civilian sector, serving as a Program Manager for the Department of Defense and the U. S. Postal Service, and later as a Certified Financial Planner.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jon was a man of many hobbies, a true adventurer at heart, and a reverent Presbyterian. He found great joy in sailing on the beautiful waters of the Chesapeake Bay, New England, and the Bahamas. He embraced the winter months, cross-country skiing through the serene landscapes of the Adirondacks, where he and his wife Carolyn lived for nine years. During warmer months, he enjoyed hiking in our national parks. In his quieter moments, he savored the meticulous craft of woodworking, nature photography, the challenge of a good game of golf, pickleball or bocce ball, and the excitement of watching a football game. His travels included Alaska, Hawaii, Portugal, France, Spain, Japan, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mexico, and the UK. Jon was dedicated to his Presbyterian faith, serving as a Stephen Minister and Deacon.

Jon's volunteer activities included docent on the Battleship U.S.S. North Carolina, Step-Up Wilmington, and mentoring veterans at Cape Fear Community College Veterans Center.

Jon's parting thoughts:

• Leave the campground better than you found it

• Be generous, let someone else take credit for a win

• Good guys get good deals, bad guys get bad deals

• Raise those around you to do their best

• Rewards are key to motivation

• Bring me the bad news as soon as you know it; it never gets better with age

• Write to express, not to impress

Jon is survived by Carolyn, his beloved wife of thirty-four years; stepsons, Matthew Richard McCloskey (Karen) and Michael Francis McCloskey; and grandchildren Connor, Lauren, and Isabella McCloskey. Jon's extended Ohio family includes three sisters (in law), two brothers (in law), and eight nieces and nephews. For the last eight months of his life, sister-in-law Bernice Chisholm and brother-in-law Kenneth Chisholm generously and lovingly served as his primary caregivers at their home in Ohio and his home in North Carolina.

A private interment with full military honors will be held at the US Naval Academy at a later date. Donations can be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, please see link below.

Jon and his laugh will be missed by all who knew and loved him.