Dr. James Edward Cook was born in Fort Worth, Texas on April 24, 1953 and passed away on December 28, 2007 in Summit County, Colorado while on a skiing trip. Jim was the owner of Delaware Animal Clinic in Beaumont, Texas for twenty-two years.
As a child, he was a member of the Texas Boys Choir. Jim attended Eastern Hills Senior High School in Fort Worth, Texas and became an Eagle Scout in August, 1969. He graduated from Texas A & M University Magna Cum Laude in December, 1975. He then attended Texas A & M University Veterinary School graduating Magna Cum Laude in August, 1979. He was presented the Danny Davis Memorial Award recognizing dedication in a second year student. He also received the first year distinguished student citation and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Jim graduated first in his class at Veterinary School.
He moved to the area in 1980 and practiced with Dr. Ken Rutty at Rutty Animal Clinic in Groves, Texas. On August 12, 1985 he opened the Delaware Animal Clinic in Beaumont. He has been Secretary of the Board of the Southeast Texas Animal Emergency Clinic since its inception.
Dr. Cook was active in the community. He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and previously had served as Senior Warden at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church from 1984-1985. He also served as a Scout Master for Pack 291 from 1986-1990.
He was a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, serving on the Board of Directors from 1994-1997 and the Association of Former Students at Texas A & M University. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
Dr. Cook was a competitive bow hunter, winning numerous awards. He was an avid hunter. Jim’s first love was his family and his second love was hunting. He also loved skiing. In his earlier days, he was a bull rider, winning numerous titles. His second home in Briggs, Texas was the love of his life. He enjoyed many trips to Briggs for work and for pleasure.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Edward Cook. He is survived by his wife, Linda Cook; his mother, Peggy Cook; and his children, Travis Cook and Amy Cook Bhatia and her husband Josh; stepchildren, Baylor and Lindsay Wortham and R.J. and Joanna Wortham; five grandchildren; brother, Daniel H. Cook and wife Mary; sisters, Dianne Harvey and Melissa Peterson and her husband Doniell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2008 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Pallbearers will be Daniel Cook, Travis Cook, Baylor Wortham, R.J. Wortham, Dr. Pat Breen, and Dr. Ken Rutty.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. James E. Cook Endowment Fund, Southeast Texas Animal Emergency Clinic for care of indigent services, 3420 West Cardinal Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
Jim was an exceptional person, whose kindness and care touched many lives. His presence will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and clients, who were blessed to have known the gentle doctor.
The Cook family wishes to express its deepest thanks and sincere appreciation to Dr. Linda Ray and Dr. Robert Birdwell for the wonderful care and attention they gave to Jim during his life.
