KILMARNOCK—John Arthur Cook, 92, passed away on July 16, 2025 in Kilmarnock. He was born December 23,1932, in Cazenovia, N.Y.
John received an associates degree in building construction from State University of NY in 1953. He then joined the Air Force in 1954 and served as a flight simulator instructor and was honorably discharged in 1958. He returned to school and received his bachelor’s in building construction from Auburn University in 1960. He then went to work for the Veterans Administration, as a construction engineer and researcher until he retired in 1985.
Jack, as he was called, enjoyed constructing/remodeling most of his homes, square dancing, line dancing, camping, tennis, Bible study, playing cards and hosting family weekends and holidays in their home. He enjoyed these with his wife of almost 51 years, Sandra Kay Cook. Jack was also thrilled to be a participant in the “Honor Flight” where a group of Veterans are flown to Washington, D.C., to a hero’s welcome and VIP tours of Veteran Memorials.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Smith Cook and Ruth Mary Bartlett; and his siblings, Raymond Smith Cook II and Maerian Delphine (Cook) Baker.
Jack is survived by his wife, Sandra Kay Cook; his daughters, Cathleen Viola Miller and Ruth Ann Cook; his sons, Daniel Brian Cook (Lisa) and Kevin Arthur Cook (Darlene); his stepdaughter, Terry Lyn Stillman (Dana); and stepsons, Randall James Biss, Robert Kevin Biss and Cary Daniel Biss (Trish). Jack’s blended family continued to grow with 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Donations can be made in John’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 16, at Irvington Baptist Church Chapel, 53 King Carter Drive, Irvington.
