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. Denise Woody (Jenkins) says:

    Dear Sally, my heart aches for you and your girls. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I wish I had had the opportunity to get to know Jason better as I'm sure he was an amazing man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love and big hugs to you and the whole family.

  2. Sara Schooler says:

    Dear Sally ,
    I just heard about Jason
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls
    Sending hugs and sunshine to you
    Love , Sara

  3. Alice Howard says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. May precious memories and the love of family and friends comfort and sustain you.

  4. Gretchen Brunner says:

    I had the absolute pleasure of working with Jason at WESD these past 5 years. His love of family was evident as was his passion for life. I am a better person for knowing him.

  5. Maaliyah says:

    Losing someone you love is one of the most difficult things a family will ever have to do. The Bible gives support ."Throw all your anxiety on Jehovah because he cares for you" (1Peter 5:7). 2 Corinthians1:3,4 adds “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials". What a comforting thought. May you find comfort in these scriptures and in Jesus’ promise, John 5:28,29. My sincere condolences to the family of Jason Cook.

  6. Sharon (Pederson) Morris says:

    Dearest Sally & family,
    My heart is heavy with the news of Jason's passing. Please know that you & your girls & family are in our thoughts & prayers. Sending you much love. May God hold you in the palm of his hands.
    God bless

  7. Julia Lohne Goodridge says:

    I’m so sorry, Sally. Wishing all the love in the world to you and your girls! After all...love is eternal.

  8. Annie Gorski says:

    Sally, please let me know if I can help in any way. I am thinking of you and your family a lot, sending positive, healing thoughts and prayers to you.

  9. Karen caldwell says:

    So sorry for your loss, love to you and your family

  10. Sheryl and Lowell Wetzel says:

    Sally I am so sorry to hear of the loss. So sorry.

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