Dr. James L. Cook

Dr. Jim Cook Jr., age 72, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 20th, 2014 surrounded by his loving wife of 47 years, Linda Stalnecker Cook of Indiana, PA; his four loving children and their spouses: James L. Cook III, Esquire (Dr. Amanda Cook) of Wexford, PA, Dr. Scott Cook (fiancé Sarah Fyock) of Indiana, PA, Joy Cook McElwee (George McElwee) of Arlington, Virginia and Beth Cook Vislosky (Luke Vislosky) of Seven Fields, PA and his 9 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, James L. Cook Sr., his mother Betty Weaver Cook, and his two sisters Nancy Cook Catando and Jayne Cook Christman. He is survived by his brother Dr. John Cook. Dr. Jim Cook was born in Ebensburg, PA to James L. Cook Sr., and Betty Weaver Cook. Dr. Cook was an active Boy Scout and played High School Football & Golf along with being a Class Officer. He graduated from Central Cambria High School, Juanita College and The Ohio State University with Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Optometry degrees respectively. He was a member of the optometric fraternity Epsilon Psi Epsilon. Dr. Cook practiced Optometry from his South 7th Street Office in Indiana, PA for over 50 years. In his words "He never worked a day in his life, he loved seeing his patients". Dr. Cook was a member and former President of Kiwanis Club, Past President of Indiana Basketball Boosters, Red Cross Board of Directors, Salvation Army Board of Directors, IUP President Council Charter Member, Chairmen of Kiwanis Medical Eye Bank, and a member of Indiana Country Club. He served as a volunteer youth elementary Basketball and a Soccer Coach for over twenty years. Dr. Cook was a People to People Ambassador who traveled to China and India participating in vision information exchanges along with serving as a medical missionary providing eye care to children in Haiti, Mexico, Jamaica, Guatemala and South America. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, Fellow of the PA Academy of Optometry, Past President of Southwestern Optometric Society, Past Director PA Optometric Association, Member American Optometric Association, Member National Eye Research Foundation. Dr. Cook was a Mason, Shriner and a former Elder of Graystone Presbyterian Church. Dr. Cook affectionately known as "Doc-eye" loved his wife, kids, family, "golfing buddies", community, country and "The Ohio State Buckeyes!". He will be sorely missed, may he rest in peace. Friends will be received Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8PM at the C. Frederick Bowser Funeral Home, Homer City. Additional visitation will be held Thursday from 10:00 AM until time of memorial service at 11:00AM at the Calvary Presbyterian Church, Indiana, with Rev. Richard L. Cassel, officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. 444 Liberty Ave, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1207