Dr. Jim Cook ’64 of Portland, Oregon, died Dec. 4, 2021. He was 79. Jim pursued his dream of becoming a physician from an early age. After attending Illinois Wesleyan, he graduated from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and interned in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Army as a battalion surgeon during the Vietnam War, earning a medical badge, for rescuing troops while under fire, and commendation medals. Upon his return, Jim was stationed at the Presidio of Monterey (Calif.), where he completed his residency in dermatology at Letterman Army Medical Center. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves, with a four-month interruption of his practice for stateside service during Operation Desert Storm. Jim maintained a private practice in Portland from 1981 until his retirement in 2014. During his practice, he became a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. He was a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University, and had privileges at several hospitals. Jim belonged to the Oregon Airedale Terrier Society of Willamette Valley and the Airedale Club of America; his Airedales (Eloise, Ruby, Diva, Raven and Della) played an important role in his life. In retirement, Jim pursued companion dog training and competition. Jim was also a member of the Multnomah Athletic Club. He was an excellent chef and many friends were the recipients of his famous pear bread and biscotti. He is survived by many friends.
I am deeply sadden to hear of Jim’s passing. I knew him well at Theta Chi when I pledged there in ’61. His life was as full and active as we all expected it to become. He set the bar high, and he exceeded it.
Dennis Cross ’65