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. Erika (Carlson) McCauley says:

    Sally, I’m absolutely heartbroken over your loss. I’m so sorry. I hope you know how loved you are at this difficult time.

  2. The Hendrix Family says:

    We are so tremendously saddened to hear of Jason's passing. Our hearts ache with you. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  3. Uncle BJ and Aunt Clarece says:

    We are so sorry for your lost. Our hearts ache for you. May our Lord give you comfort and peace. We send this with much love.

  4. Heidi Abreu, Jose Gutierrez and family says:

    Dear Sally, Indira and Kalila, I know no words will give you the comfort you need right now but I just wanted to let you know, I had you in my thoughts and prayers all week. I have been playing the Spanish songs we used to listen together with Jason. His smile and tender personality will always live in our minds and hearts forever.

  5. Ginger McKenzie says:

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you knowing he will be with you through these difficult days.

  6. Charles Vaughan says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. It was our privilege to go with the two of you to the ocean for a day 14 years ago. Jason had a lot to offer from reading the bio information. I wish we could have known each other better but the miles kept us from that blessing. We pray for all of you and grieve your loss with you here from Virginia. We love you!

  7. Scott May says:

    Jason's commitment to his friends and family made all the difference in the world. I will truly miss our interactions. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you.

  8. Timothy Cloran says:

    Jason was a wonderful, compassionate friend. My heart goes out to his wonderful family, and the community of friends whose life he enriched.

    My best to you all.

  9. Aileen P. Kaye says:

    I am so very sorry to hear this. I am out of state and won't be returning until mid July. Otherwise, I would definitely be at the service. My thoughts are with you.

  10. Maureen in Albany NY says:

    With love to all, so sorry for your loss.

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