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. Naomi, Maddie and Kit says:

    Sally - you’re amazing and so loved by Jason. Indira and Kalila - how lucky you are to have such a great man live on through both of you! We feel very fortunate to have known Jason. His presence always brought a smile and conversations were always lively and interesting. You are all in our thoughts.

  2. Joyce Ashford says:

    Sally my prayers and love being sent to you and the girls. So sorry for your loss.

  3. Helen Shafran says:

    Sally, I’m utterly heartbroken and reeling for you all… I’ve been wanting to text you, but I am sure you are inundated. I’ll be out of state on Sunday; my heart will absolutely be right there with you. Please let me know how I can support you and the girls. ♥️

  4. Cynthia Jones says:

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May memories be of a comfort to you and your love ones.

  5. Christy Trindle- Lutz says:

    Sally, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers. Love to you all.

  6. Burchard family says:

    I love you Sally. Our hearts just break for you all. Know that you are loved and we support you. We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.

  7. Virginia Family: Jesse and Sherlene Vaughan says:

    Dear Sally, Indira and Kalila: Our hearts are heavy with sadness to hear of the sudden home going of your dear husband and Father, Jason. We are not able to hug and comfort you because of the miles that separate us. However, we know our Lord Jesus is wrapping His loving arms around you filled with unsurpassable peace and comfort. Numbers 6: 24 - 26. Our love to each of you, Uncle Jesse and Aunt Sherlene

  8. The Barrett Family says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. While we will not be able to make it to the service all of you will be in our prayers.

  9. Marcia Christenson says:

    Sally I pray for grace and healing for you and your family I n this difficult time.

  10. Carrie Grenz Hare says:

    Sally, I am so saddened. I'm so lucky to know you both. You are in my heart and prayers.

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