Rev. James Cook, 91

Rev. James H. Cook, 91, of Red Wing, died Feb. 17, in Red Wing.

He was born Sept. 6, 1920, in Red Wing, to Harry and Alvida (Lillyblad) Cook. He graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1938, and from the University of Minnesota in 1942, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

While attending the U of M, he worked summers in 1940 and 1941 at the Red Wing Potteries as an engineer trainee. His grandfather, George Cook, had been superintendent at the Red Wing Potteries (previously Red Wing Stoneware Co.) for over 50 years.

He worked for North American Aviation in Kansas City, Kan., building B-25 bombers in WWII, joined the U.S. Navy in March, 1944, trained in electronics and served in the Pacific Fleet and on Japanese occupation duty on Honshu Island. After his discharge in May, 1946, he was employed as technical editor by Battelle Institute in Columbus, Ohio, returning to Red Wing in 1948, to work for his father at Red Wing Iron Works, (later North Star Mechanical Contractors) which he operated until his retirement.

He was also employed by S.B. Foot Tanning Company, as a consulting engineer from 1971-1979.

From 1975-1977 he attended the United Theological Seminary, was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1977, and served Christ Episcopal Church in Red Wing, as assistant to the rector from 1977-1984. Over the next twenty years, he served many parishes in the region acting as a supply priest. He was also an active volunteer with various community organizations in Red Wing throughout his life.

He married Elizabeth H. Hull on Dec. 28, 1946 in Red Wing; she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his two sons: James H. Cook, Jr., of Hayward, Calif., and Edward H. Cook, of St. Paul, Minn.; one daughter, Caroline Howe, of Oakland, Calif.; four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

In remembrance, please spend a moment to reflect on the lives of loved ones and take time out of your normal day to do something special for someone you love, or offer a helping hand to someone who is in need.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at Christ Episcopal Church in Red Wing with Father Michael Way officiating. Private burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery.

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