of Little Rock, AR
September 22, 1919 - September 21, 2024
James Dawson Cook, age 104, of Little Rock, AR passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2024, one day short of his 105th birthday. Dawson was predeceased by his parents, Thomas L. and Jamie Cook; Hazel Copeland Cook, his wife of 70 years who he faithfully cared for in her later years; a sister and five brothers.
He is survived by his four children, Thomas (Sandra) of San Diego, CA; Sally of Memphis, TN; Roger (Cheryl) of Columbia, MO; and Robert (Teresa) of Baltimore, MD. He is also survived by five grandsons, Stephen (Tonya) of Fort Cobb, OK; Darren of Columbia, MO; Michael (Angy) of Frederick, MD; Thomas of Austin, TX and Peter (Rachel) of Baltimore, MD; three great granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dawson was a faithful Christian and an active member of the Pulaski Heights Church of Christ and then Pleasant Valley Church of Christ. He worked for 40 years at Arkansas Power and Light Company, now Entergy. He retired as manager of purchasing and stores.
World War II interrupted his time at AP&L. Dawson joined the Army Air Force shortly before Pearl Harbor and served as a mechanical sergeant on a squadron of B-25 Mitchell bombers. He was stationed in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Burma. When he returned to his AP&L office after the war he met his future wife, Hazel, who had joined the company during the war.
He was active in retirement, volunteering for the Red Cross for 22 years by delivering blood and platelets to hospitals all across Arkansas.
Dawson also helped organize a large group of retirees who played golf at Rebsamen Golf Course. He loved the game and played until he turned 100.
Dawson had a quick sense of humor, which he retained until he died.
Dawson was a kind Christian man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral service for Mr. Cook will be 1:30pm, Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ with Leon Sanderson, Nick Hamilton and Linda Smith participating. Visitation with family will begin at 12:30pm. Burial with U.S. Army National Guard honors will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Dawson's name be made to Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, Arkansas Children's Hospital or the charity of one's choice.
To join the service live, please visit: https://www.pvcc.org/memorial/
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25 Condolence(s)
Earlene Windsor Russell
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
My husband, Louis Windsor, retired from
AP and L. He mentioned Dawson many times and with admiration. My sympathy to all the family.
Rita Medlock
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
I worked at AP&L with Dawson when I first moved to LR in 1975. And also Dan & I went to PV church with him & Hazel for many years. Dawson was a great mentor and friend. Sympathy to the family of a 105 year old dad. ~ Dan & Rita Medlock ~ Rogers, AR
Cynthia Button Delameter
Monday, September 30, 2024
I've known Mr. Cook all my life since the nursery at Pulaski Heights Church. He and Hazel were pillars of our church. Their children were around the ages of my sister and me. As an adult going back to visit my.parents I would always receive a hug and big smile. His heart was open to all.
Bob Ideker
Sunday, September 29, 2024
I worked for Dawson my first 5 years at Entergy. As my supervisor, we had many discussions regarding specialized materials and sales persons representing their products about purchasing needed materials throughout the Arkansas system. I always found him to be willing to be supportative of trying new ideas and techniques in areas of my position and appreciated his friendship in later years.
Carol Ann (Mobley)Brown
Saturday, September 28, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man. I remember him telling me at Daddy's (Skinner) funeral that they were like brothers. That meant so much to me.
Praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Brenda Wilson
Friday, September 27, 2024
We have such wonderful memories of Dawson and Hazel as they were our grandparent-like babysitters. The children couldn’t pronounce their names and so they became “Dawgum & Haydu”! With much love we pay tribute to these sweet Christians.
Harold & Glenys Dawkins
Thursday, September 26, 2024
We met Dawson & Hazel in 1978 through Pleasant Valley Church of Christ. They were both amazing Christians and reached out to us when we first attended. Harold played golf with Dawson and grew to love and respect him. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family.
Jerry and Donna (Cook) Jeakle
Thursday, September 26, 2024
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember the ‘Cook Boys’ smile. Uncle Dawson was the last of a wonderful Christian family based on serving others and he lived that way. He always reminded me of my dad (gone too soon) and he will be missed by all that knew him.
David Parker
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Condolences to the Cook family. May God Bless you with precious memories of your loved one.
Phillip Young
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Prayers and Blessings to my good friend Robert and the entire Cook Family. Mr. Dawson lived an extraordinary life and I wish I had the opportunity to have met him. May the Good Lord Bless his Soul and may the loving memory of him remain deep in the hearts of those graced by his presence. The Lord is our Comforter...
Sue Gillenwater and Peggy Jones
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
We knew Dawson and Hazel from beginnings of Pleasant Valley. They were both such great Christian people.Dawson was amazing man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Jon Mangana
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Cook family. Mr. Cook led a to be admired and emulated
Tom Landers
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
I have very vivid memories of both Mr. and Mrs. Cook going out of their way to be nice to me as a child growing up attending Pulaski Heights Church. He was a kind man, and the head of a very fine family.
AL SMITH
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
PLAYED A FEW ROUNDS OF GOLF IN OUR YOUNGER DAYS. GREAT COMPETITOR AND PERSON.
Jim Herden
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Dawson was a member of a retiree group that met for breakfast once a month. He was a true gentleman.
Martha Maguire
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Dawson was such a sweet person. I worked for him for several years
and was a nice person to work for. My condolences to the family.
Sue Walloch Morgan
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
One of my Dads cousins. I grew up hearing so many nice things about the Cook family .i loved Aunt Jamie. She was amazing!
She came to my house at our Walloch reunion once. I was around her several times. Always loved & respected her.
Always wanted to meet more of her kids.
(My dads cousins) Praying for the family during this time.
Mary Jo Harris
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
I was blessed to work with Mr. Cook as his secretary in the Purchasing Department until he retired. He was an exemplary leader. Most of all he was a true Christian who totally lived his faith.
Revyanell JoAnn Jackson
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family
Gwen Fowler
Sunday, September 22, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. Dawson was an amazing person, he and Hazel had a wonderful life together.
Dawson was such a good example as a Christian to everyone he met. He will be dearly missed and always remembered
Steve and Carol Hix
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Steve first knew Dawson while at AP&L then later he and Hazel at PV. They were a much loved couple. Now they are together again.
Jerry & Christina Burchfield
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Dawson and Hazel were two of our most favorite people. Their example has encouraged so many of us “younger folk”!
Carlos Stinson
Sunday, September 22, 2024
I've never met Mr Cook but what I have heard from my friend Robert I know he was a good man and father. I wish the family well in this time of life.
Stanley Starling
Sunday, September 22, 2024
A fine Christian man, looking forward to his reward. Almost the same age as my mother, Velma Starling, who was 68 days short of age 105, while he was one day short of his 105th birthday. "Many friends and dear loved ones will welcome us there..."
Jack Sandlin
Sunday, September 22, 2024
It was a Sunday night in the parking lot of the old Pulaski Heights church. We were all "going out somewhere". Your dad asked me if I was driving I said, yes sir I am. Your dad said to me, "good I never worry about my children when they are with you". Yes, that is exactly what he said. I've never forgotten that and never will. Mr Cook, a life well lived!!!!!