James Cook

James Cook, known as Jim to family and friends, died November 23, 2020 at Halifax hospice after a 4- year battle with cancer.

Jim was born April 7, 1967 to Bill and Eileen Cook in Miami, FL. He was the youngest of 6 children. He graduated from FSU in 1994 with a degree in Criminology and was employed by the Seminole County Sheriff's as a deputy and detention officer for 21 years until he took a medical retirement in 2018. During his career he was recognized by MADD-(Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) for more than 100 DUI arrests made in one year. Jim’s career included a stint on the Critical Response Team as well as a plain clothes investigator in the City County Investigative Bureau working with at-risk youth.

In recent years, one of his greatest joys was to share his Christian faith with others. He was always available to listen, to pray, and to lean on when needed. At work, he was assigned to work with the inmates who had medical issues. He would tape a piece of paper to his desk with a different bible verse every day. He noticed that some of the inmates looked for it and whenever he was late posting it, they would ask him about it. Through this simple act, he was able to remind these men that God had not forgotten them and still loved them. He gained tremendous satisfaction and purpose from these encounters.

Jim was a loving son, a cherished brother, a good friend and above all, a devoted father to his daughter Casey, 16. He is preceded in death by his father, William ( Bill) Cook, and his brother Douglas Cook. In addition to Casey, he is survived by his mother, Eileen Cook, his sisters Linda ( Gary) Norman, Eileen (Jim) Dyer, brothers Bob ( Linda) Cook, Bill (Robyn) Cook,  many nieces & nephews, numerous relatives & friends, and his dog Cody & cat Savannah.
Services will be held Sat. Dec 5th, 2020 at Highland Funeral Home, 3329 E Semoran Blvd Apopka, FL 32703. After a private viewing, the funeral will be held at 11:30-12:00 in the chapel. Attendance will be limited due to COVID-19. Also due to restrictions in place from the Coronavirus pandemic, all family, friends, & guests will be required to wear a face mask, or facial covering to attend funeral services. You can view the livestream of the funeral services by following along at ( https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156512/c/532595). A recording of the service will also be available after the services for friends to view. Burial services will be held immediately following at 12:15pm

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Northside Church of Christ P.O. Box 940832 Maitland, FL 32794-4832. Please mark for the school.