Jerry J. Cook

Jerry J. Cook, of Lake Barrington, passed away on November 13, 2024.

He was born November 7, 1934 in Jefferson City, MO, the son of the late Ormand and Marian (nee Callaway) Cook.

After a childhood in Missouri and Port Clinton, Ohio, Jerry played football at Bowling Green State University under Bo Shembechler. 

He and fellow student Carolyn Newbirt eloped and were the first to live in the windmill on campus. Ultimately, they enjoyed life together for more years than Carolyn wants to put a number to, traveling around the world and enjoying time with family. 

After graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Jerry dared to follow his passion for flight by joining the Marines. He joined the Caterpillar Club in 1961 when his FJ-4 caught on fire near El Toro. 

In Vietnam he flew A-4’s with VMA-223, a squadron to which he felt connected until the very end. Jerry retired from the Marines as a Major.

He then joined American Airlines, retiring as a 757-767 captain but never getting over his love of flying.

Ever pugnacious, he took great pride in his service as an APA union leader. 

After retirement, he continued his leadership, earning honors as a community leader for the Village of Lakewood.

Jerry had a biting wit and an amazing capacity for sketching cartoons that cut to the quick of issues. He played a mean harmonica and trumpet. 

Through the years, he owned a fine array of cars and talked himself out of many, though not all, tickets.

He loved to fish, golf and talk airplanes.

He is survived by his children, Eric (Ann) Cook, Cristy Blair and Trina (Chris) Cook; his grandchildren, Melissa Cook, Jennifer Cook, Mollie (Charlie) Light and Ryan Blair; his great-grandchildren, Ben Haeuser, Liam McCulley, Ted and Henry Light; his sister-in-law, Honey Nagel; his nephew, Jeff Nagel; and Jeff’s daughter Kelsey (Ryan) Queenan and their daughters Logan, Carlin and Juliette.

Services for Jerry will be held privately for his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made (here) in Jerry’s memory to Fisher House Foundation, an organization that provides free lodging and other services for military members, veterans and their families.