James C. “Jim” Cook, age 83 of Miles City, passed away on May 27, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, MT.
Jim was born May 6th, 1935 in Beach, ND to Edward and Bertha (Reed) Cook. He was the middle child of three brothers and two sisters. Jim grew up and spent most of his childhood north of Sentinel Butte, ND near the community of Westerhiem, living and helping on his grandparents Ted (Pa) and Julia (Lou) Cook’s, ranch. He graduated from Sentinel Butte High School in 1953, and then attended Dickinson State College for two years on an athletic scholarship. Jim started riding steers in the local rodeos at the age of 9, moving on to broncs and bulls in high school and college. He won the bull riding average in 1956 at the Wolf Point Stampede in Wolf Point, MT. He married Colleen Baker on August 4, 1956 at the United Community Church in Beach, ND. Together they had one child, Tyler Cook. Later on Jim and Colleen were divorced in 1981. After attending Reppert School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Indiana in 1958, he moved his family to Winchester, Virginia to manage a Livestock Auction Market. Jim was an avid livestock owner and promoter his entire life. While in Virginia, he started announcing weekly rodeos for Howard Harris and Jim Shoulders. Jim moved back to Glendive, MT in 1965 to ranch with his brother Jerry. He was asked to announce the Culbertson, MT rodeo in 1967, the start of a 30 year rodeo announcing career in major rodeos across North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. Jim became a PRCA Gold Card Member in 1986. He also enjoyed announcing to help promote many Little Britches, 4-H, high school, college, amateur and ranch rodeos, along with community fund raisers for rural fire departments, school activities, benefits for medical causes and many other charitable events. Jim met his special friend and partner Sandy Pearcy in 2004. In his later years, he loved to help out at the family ranch especially for Cole, with chores and feeding. Jim loved to play cards and was a very avid poker player. He also loved to watch his grandchildren in the various sporting events over the years.
Jim is survived by his son Tyler (Julie) of Miles City; his grandchildren Cole (Lindsey) Cook of Miles City and their children Caitlyn and Carly; Casey (Amanda) Cook of Dickinson, ND; Special friend Sandy Pearcy of Miles City and her family Paula (Tom), Merrill, Joetta & children; his brother Ward (Rita) Cook of Sun City, AZ; two sisters Gwen (Arlo) Huber of Veradale, WA and Patricia (Gary) Aubertin of Soap Lake, WA and a sister in law Grace Cook of Glendora, CA. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Jerald Cook and Douglas Reed Cook.
Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 137, Medora, ND 58645 or to the Home on The Range, 16351 I 94, Sentinel Butte, ND 58654. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2018 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Miles Community College Ag Advancement Center in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date at the Sentinel Butte Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday June 3, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 4, 2018
Miles Community College Ag Advancement Center
340 I94 Business Loop
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
9:00 a.m.
Saturday August 3, 2019
Sentinel Butte Cemetery
Sentinel Butte , ND 58654
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday June 3, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 4, 2018
Miles Community College Ag Advancement Center
340 I94 Business Loop
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
9:00 a.m.
Saturday August 3, 2019
Sentinel Butte Cemetery
Sentinel Butte , ND 58654
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Maurice Lardy says
Tyler, Julie, Cole and Casey You have my sincere sympathy. May he Rest In Peace
Laurie Janssen Claypool says
Tyler, Julie and family so sorry to hear about your father/grandfather Jim! Out thoughts and prayers to your family at this difficult time! Duane and Laurie Janssen Claypool and family
Julie says
I may have given you a hard time at the P.O., but you were a good person to know. Rest In Peace.
Kathy Strub says
Cook Family May God’s peace and your memories help comfort you. It was always a pleasure to visit with Jim.
Jack Cook says
to Tyler, Julie, Cole and Casey Know that you are in our prayers for the family here to yours.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Cook family.
Terry Hall says
Tyler and Family— Sorry to hear of your Dads passing.
Bob Brooks says
I will miss all of your stories and good humor.
Diane. Rod Brown says
Sandy, Tyler, Julie, Cole, Casey & families,
So. Sorry to. hear of Jim’s passing. We will miss his stories & his History of the area.
Thinking of you.
Ardyth Barbour says
My sincere sympathy to Jim’s family.
Doug and Randi Wenz says
To Jim’s family, He was a good friend and a great rodeo announcer, what a wonderful voice. He was an icon in the rodeo world and will be missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to have known him! Happy Trails Jim. Doug and Randi Wenz
Lynn. Stewart says
A great man..He will be missed by many family and friends…sorry for your loss
Karen putnam says
Tyler, Julie,cole and Casey an family’s , so so sorry to hear of Jims passing. You are all in my prayers. Hugs
Rob Shipley says
Jim was one of my best and closest ever friends. He thrilled my mother as equally as did Casper Schaefer when he would ask Mary to dance at the Montana whenever she and I had a drink after supper at The Hole in the Wall etcetera. Jim and I bought four (4) of Benny Binion’s mares at the huge Binion dispersion sale in 1997. We enjoyed a great trip to Iowa to the huge Amish work horse sale as well. We played a lot of poker and pinochle together and Jim was always respectful of people at all times. Jim borrowed and rode one of my Coggshall saddles for many years, because, he truly was the very best kind of friend any man or woman could ever have. “He will be missed” is very insufficient in the matter of Jim Cook’s passing; instead, all of eastern Montana and western North Dakota will *never* be the same sans the wit, gentleness, and work ethic of Jim Cook.
Verlin and Bernadette Miller says
We have very fond memories of Jim – Verlin first met Jim years ago at the Nile Rodeo when Cole was showing a steer and they have been friends ever since. Jim was also the auctioneer at our benefits a few years ago. Jim seems to always know the crowd he is with and just was a pleasure to work with.
We send our thoughts and prayers to Jims family and friends. It was a sincere pleasure knowing him and learning from him.
David and Punky Mann says
What a nice gentleman!! Sorry for the families loss. He will be missed by all!!
Rick & Bev Harris says
So sorry. Jim was always so good to my father Don McDowell. Now they can visit once again at the coffee counter over yonder.
Laura & Bud Griffin says
Jim Cook was a good friend and will be missed. His family has our condolences and best wishes.
Kare Putnam says
Tyler, Julie, Cole, Casey and families. I’m so sorry to hear about Jim. Prayers and Hugs
John Cook says
Tyler, Julie,Cole and Casey. Prayers for you and the rest of the family.
Clara jo says
Jim was a very wonderful man and I always enjoyed our Visits and was honored when he asked me to dance . May all your memories of Jim fill your days with love .
pete wilson , kay wiman says
May god grant you peace and acceptance , Jim will be missed , he was a hero to many including myself, rest easy Jim.
Jackie Bremer says
Cook family and sandy so sorry to hear him passing. You all in my prayers still I knew he was in the hospital.
Abby Clyde says
I will always remember Jim coming into the Medora cowboy café to order his Archie Cakes (pancakes with brown sugar & cream) and listening to his great stories. Rest in Peace Cowboy
Gloria Flakne says
Sandy, Tyler and Julie, and all of Jim’s family, we are so sorry for loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
Hurr Family says
Tyler and family
So sorry to hear of our loss! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim & Mary Hurr
Becky Tescher Robison says
Tyler and Family;
Just talked to your Dad a couple weeks ago. As always he was gracious and delightful. He was a good friend to my family was one of the few Westerheim Community natives left who could tell us wonderful stores about my mother and her family. Eternal rest Grant on to him O Lord, May he rest in peace.
Dottie Johnstone says
Sandy and Jim’s family So sorry, Jim will be missed. What a gentlemen. Loved him and Sandy. R.I.P Jim.
Linda Winkley says
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with Jim and Sandy, whenever I saw them at a dance.
Jay Linderman says
Tyler, it’s been a long time. Please except my condolences. Jim made me laugh many times.
Sandy short says
Tyler, Julie and family-I was sorry to hear of Jim’s death. He will be missed. The Short family sends our condolences.
Carol Obrigewitch says
Jim will be greatly missed by Val and me. We loved visiting and playing pinochle with him. Boy, could he count cards. One time when he was across the street from our house he came to visit because he smelled the bread I was baking. Jim told me it reminded him of my mom. Tickled me. He was always an interesting source of information for my mom’s and his home community of Westerheim. Jim had one of the best voices of any rodeo announcer I’ve ever heard. We feel a real void in our little town of Sentinel Butte, ND knowing that we won’t see him around here anymore. Rest in peace Jim. Say hi to my dad and hug my mom for me.
Ann swanson family says
Jim was always an interesting guy to visit with!!
Did my Mom’s farmauction and played a lot of porker with Larry and later with Al in Sidney!! Sorry for your loss!!
Larry and Denise Sweet says
So very sorry about your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Casey Phalen says
Hey everyone I’m so sorry to hear this. I just had a nice visit with Jim at the BHS. Praying for you all. I always enjoyed visiting with Jim.
Joe and Teauna Swanson says
Tyler, Julie and family,
Jim was a one of a kind and will be greatly missed by so many. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Teauna Swanson
Matk Huber says
You were always my Hero you Humble and Kind to me I was always impressed that everyone you talked to always became your friend I love you Uncle Jim Cook our family will never be the same Prayers for Tyler and Julie Cook Cole and Casey Cook RIP a true Cowboy
Matk Huber says
You were always my Hero you were always Humble and Kind to me I was always impressed that everyone you talked to always became your friend I love you Uncle Jim Cook our family will never be the same Prayers for Tyler and Julie Cook Cole and Casey Cook RIP a true Cowboy
Carla Soggie Schlabs says
Jim was a true gentleman and friend to all. He had a wonderful sense of humor & great gift for visiting. I”m sure you will enjoy hearing stories about him for a long time. Keep the memories close.
David and Diane Watembach says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, he was a very nice man, always enjoyed visiting with him. RIP Jim.
Valli Jo Fulton says
Tyler & Family,
Sending you our deepest sympathy! May happy memories help ease your pain. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers!
Sherry Oster says
To All of Jim’s family;
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I always enjoyed Jim’s Rodeo voice and considered him one of America’s True Cowboys! He always had time for a visit and his kindness was admirable. Thinking of and praying for you.
Sincerely,
Sherry Oster
James Liles says
Dear Sandy, Tyler, Julie and all of Jim’s family,
We bought a ranch from Jim and Jerry in the 1970s and enjoyed seeing Jim ever since. He was quite a storyteller! Our prayers for you and your families.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Brian & Wendy Ballance says
Tyler & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was a great man. Always great to visit with. He will be missed.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Melinda Tangen/Kenneth L. Tangen says
Lots of fine memories of you cousin. Our condolences to your son Tyler, Ward, Gwen, Patty Ann, and Grace.
Ken Tangen
Laura Lee (Blankenship) Kalloch Beeler says
Sandy (family) and Cook families:
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Having lost my amazing husband and father, I can well-understand the depth of your loss. My heart goes out to you. At times like this, we realize just how much it means to have faith, family and caring friends. Hope these blessings will be your strength during this time of sadness. You’re going through a lot right now but it wont always be this way. In the meantime, there’s a world of people right here to support you. As you mourn his loss,keeping memories close, know that friends and loved ones are holding you close in warm thoughts. Jim will be missed by all the people he cared about, by those who looked up to him and most especially by those who loved him. My most sincere condolences to you all.
Mona and Ron Kramer says
Our sincere sympathies to Tyler, Julie, Cole, Casey, Sandy and their families. We really were Blessed having Jim in our family! We enjoyed every visit! We will cherish our last visit at the 2018 Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. I have a great picture of Jim, Ron and their grandsons Casey Cook and Joel Pecha. He was a great cowboy and friend to many. May he rest in peace. Until we meet again. Mona and Ron Kramer
Wayne Wetherelt Jr. & Serena Wetherelt says
Tyler and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your loved one. Cherish the memories each of you have.
Ross & Kelly Childers says
We were so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. The BHS, sale yard , or any place else that you could find Jim won’t be the same without his gracious, caring ways. He was a true gentleman and always made you feel a little better after visiting with him. He truly cared about what was happening in your life. The stories he told about his life made you realize that he was a “great” one and I never tired of listening to him. Be grateful that you had him as long as you did and cherish the memories that are sure to come to you when you see or hear something that reminds you of Jim. He was a great asset to this part of the world and will be remembered for a long time to come.
Dale Booth says
It is the hardest times that bring a family back together. We will miss Uncle Jim. Sorry to hear of your loss Tyler and family.
Glenn & Cheryl Lohmann says
Tyler and Julie and family: Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Being from Westerheim, I knew Jim and the Cook Family very well all my life. His memory will live on through the early-day stories which he shared with neighbors and friends.
Glenn (Dusty) and Cheryl Lohmann
pat Feldmann says
Jim was such a delight I remember my first auction sale was @ Florence Schmits out of Beach ND , Jim & Freddy Wicka were auctioneering. I was bidding & bidding against myself those guys got the biggest kick out of my methods. he will be missed by many.
James Wyckoff says
Our sympathies to Tyler, Julie and family. Jim was a long time friend, remember hoeing potatoes with him at Raisler’s. Jim was a good auctioneer. Wish I could be there for the service.
Kyle and Gail Shaw says
The Cook Family, Jim will be missed. He was always so nice and upbeat. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Nathan R. Brown says
Tyler, Julie, Cole and Casey and your families, my deepest sympathies to you. Your Dad, Grandpa, and Great-grandpa will be truly missed. He was truly one of a kind. One of my fondest memories is when he took Cole and I riding and camping out in the badlands, and stayed at Rex’s cabin. Teaching us some Horsemanship and showing us the land marks. Thanks for the memories Jim. U will always be Fred White to me.
Sonny Lockwood and Sandy Stahl says
So sorry for your loss and that we won’t be able to attend the services in honor of Jim.
Deb Bartholomew says
Jim Cook’s Families and Sandy’s Families
So very sorry for your loss. God has gained a true Cowboy Angel too early. He was an true cowboy gentleman, a great friend to all who knew him. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. I will miss his great smile, visits and friendship over the years. I was truly honored to have known him. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Jim will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasurer your memories, as I know you all will, as your memories with help you get through difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with All Jim’s and Sandy’s families.
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Cole and Family, So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and condolences your way.
Julie Cook says
So sorry to have missed your funeral! The good news is I had really gotten to spend time with you when I moved to North Dakota! Thinking of you Tyler, Julie, Cole, Casey and Sandy ?❤