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. Vanessa Nordyke says:

    I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I wish for you and your family to be surrounded with love and kindness.

  2. Deb and Steve Patterson says:

    Sally, words can describe how sorry we are to hear of Jason's sudden and unexpected death. We are thinking of you and your daughters at this time of unfathonable loss and grief. We know you are holding each other close, and we are holding you in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate these new shores. With deepest sympathy, Deb and Steve

  3. Delana and Russ Beaton says:

    Dear Sally,
    We are stunned and so terribly sorry to hear of the death of your dear Jason. Our hearts reach out to you and your young daughters.
    We love you,

  4. Linda Wiessner says:

    Sending prayers during this difficult time.

  5. Ginger Dawson says:

    Dear Sally. So very sad to hear about your husband...please let me know if there is anything we can do or if you ever need to just talk.

  6. Susan Wiley says:

    Many prayers for your family during this difficult time! I’m sorry I’m out of town Sunday but will keep you in my thoughts for the days ahead.

  7. Julia Rice says:

    I am so sorry, Sally. I can’t even imagine what you must be going through. We are sending you and your daughters lots of hugs and love.

  8. Nic and Kelly Noack says:

    Sally, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You are all such a special part of our community. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to help you during this time.

  9. Kathy and Jack Dalton says:

    We are so sad to hear of your husband's sudden passing. Prayers and love to you and your family. Please reach out to us if there is anything we can do to help.

  10. Lucy Foster says:

    Love and hugs to you all.

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