In memory of

Jason D. Cook

Jan 9, 1977
Jun 15, 2019

Obituary

Jason was born in Providence, Rhode Island, the oldest of three children, and the son of Jaqulin Bowman and William Cook. He spent his early years on the shores of Narragansett Bay. Already an avid fisherman by the age of twelve, he relished the move to the Pacific Northwest and the outdoor opportunities it offered. Eastern trout were soon supplanted by salmon and steelhead. Years later, hunting and claiming his first elk was a truly spiritual experience for him.

Always the Renaissance Man, Jason graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology. A summer-long dig in Arizona gave him first-hand experience with what anthropology and archeology are really like, and how different they are from the rough-and-tumble adventures of his favorite character, Indiana Jones. A student of literature, philosophy, and politics, he always had profound insights into the workings of everyday life. He was passionate about everything he did, whether he was seeking out alternative music and independent films, or acting in high school theater and community playhouse. He had a gift for languages and for storytelling.

Not only that, Jason was a formidable opponent physically as well as intellectually. Beginning at the tender age of eight, he studied karate, judo, jiu jitsu, and aikido for many years, earning a black belt in the martial arts. Later, he even dabbled in the dance-like acrobatics of Brazilian Capoeira.

And then there were computers. Not content with his career path, he taught himself all there was to know about computers, got himself licensed, and was hired to do IT for the Willamette Educational Service District, a job he continued until the end of his life.

Perhaps more important than his other accomplishments, Jason was a loving husband to his wife Sally and a devoted father to his two daughters, Indira and Kalila. Whether cooking elaborate weekend breakfasts for his family, taking them camping, or organizing outings to parks and museums, Jason treasured his time together with these three most important ladies in his life.

Both his brother Matthew and his sister Julie have described him as “larger than life,” and, indeed, he was. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Service Information

Celebration of Life
Sunday June 30th, 2019 @ 2:00 PM
Westminster Presbyterian Church
3737 Liberty Rd S, Salem, OR 97302

Gallery

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Tom, Judy and Orion says:

    We are so grateful for the many family times we shared with you guys over the years! Tom always had a great time cooking with Jason! We love you all!
    You are all in our prayers!

  2. Astra Kremane says:

    May the PEACE of our Lord Jesus, which truly passes all human understanding, descend upon you, and the entire Cook family. I knew only Jason, Julie, and Matt and never met Jason's wife and kids, but I lift up every single one of you in my prayers and will have a special Holy Mass said in honor of my "little brother" Jason and his family, who brought such Joy and humor into my life with his unending inquisitiveness and curiosity as a little boy. Jason, you are now with all the angels and the saints and my baby daughter Nora in heaven. Peace be upon your soul. Love to all of you from myself and my son Norm.

  3. Michael Duane Brown says:

    Sally, Prayers going up for His Comfort and Peace for you and your kiddos and family.

  4. Verena, Scott, and family says:

    So sorry for your loss. Jason leaves behind a legacy of love for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

  5. The Markum Family says:

    There are no words for your loss. Jason will be greatly missed. Our prayers and love our with you and yours during this difficult time.

  6. Oscar, Beth, Lucas and Aiden Rodriguez says:

    We are so very sorry for your loss. You and your girls are in our prayers.

  7. The VaVerka Family says:

    Lifting you and your beautiful girls up in prayer.

  8. The Wood Family says:

    You are all on my heart. You are loved deeply. We are praying for the peace and comfort of Christ to surround you.

  9. Marjorie Dudley says:

    Sally, Indira, and Kalila we are so sorry for your loss and pray that the Lord comforts you during this difficult time <3
    The Dudleys

  10. The miller family says:

    We are so sorry to hear of this loss! All of you are in our prayers!

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