James "Richard" Cook

James Richard Cook, Jr, “Richard”, was called home by his Heavenly Father on November 14, 2022, at the age of 72. Richard was born April 4, 1950, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to James Richard Cook, Sr and Margaret Ann (Brown) Cook. He grew up in Bartlesville and attended Bartlesville schools. From the time he was little, he played little league baseball and loved being coached by his Dad. He spent many hours hanging out with his Dad at the Chrysler dealership learning to work on vehicles with him. As a teenager, he worked at many jobs including the bowling alley, the cement plant, as well as mowing lawns and helping neighbors with odd jobs. Richard developed a passion for bowling while working at the bowling alley and joined a team with his Mother. Bowling was something he continued throughout his entire life. He chose to leave school his senior year and joined the Army in February of 1970 so he could fight for his country during the Vietnam war. He was honorably discharged in February 1973. He was stationed in Cu Chi South Vietnam and numerous other areas in South Vietnam. Richard received numerous metals including a Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Metal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal. He completed his education by receiving a GED while enlisted in the Army. After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at Ft Hood, Texas where he joined the National Guard. Richard worked as an armed security guard and in the automotive field as a mechanic while living in Texas. He moved back to Oklahoma and worked in the automotive field, as Chief of Police in Copan, Oklahoma, and Mark Roberts Motors in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. When he retired in 2004, he was employed at Mark Roberts Motors overseeing the detail department. He met Margie Eldridge at Red Apple where they enjoyed bowling in the same league. Richard and Margie married on May 23, 1998, in Ochelata, Oklahoma. They soon became involved with Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was active until his death. They both enjoyed this together. Richard held various offices over the years including Commander of Bartlesville Post 989, District 8 Commander for 14 years, State Representative for the National Home for Children for 15 years and was currently a member of Sapulpa Post 1320 where he served as Senior Vice Commander. He was a member of the American Legion Post 450 in Ochelata, Oklahoma where he held the office of First Vice Commander. He also loved hunting, fishing and hanging out with family and friends. After moving to Ochelata in 1998, Richard got involved in the community by becoming a part of the Neighbor Watch Group. He was later elected to the Town Council and served on the Board of Trustees for several years. In 2017, Richard was elected as Mayor of the town of Ochelata and served for four years. He took pride in trying to help improve the community. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, son David Eldridge, sisters Irene (John) Moore, Karen McChesney, Janet Bowers and brother Roger Dale Cook. He is survived by his wife Margie of the home, sons Bobby Galbraith of Maryland, James Cook III of Ochelata, Roger Cook (Trisha) of Copan, Kevin Cook (Lace) of Dewey, John Cook (Johnna) of Texas. Daughter Felicia Eldridge (Mike Phillips) of Ochelata. Daughter-in-law Mindi Eldridge of Bartlesville. Twenty-two Grandchildren. Fifteen Great Grandchildren. Many others who also called him Grandpa. Brother Bob Cook (Pam) of Dewey. Brother-in-law Roy Bowers of Nicoma Park. Sister-in-law Shirley (Tony) Watkins of Eufaula and Susan Cook of Montana. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. He is also survived by his comrades, brothers and sisters of the VFW and Auxiliary as well as American Legion sisters and brothers. Also, a special VFW Auxiliary lady Sherry Landers who served as his District President for the 14 years that he was Commander. Sherry was often referred to as wife number two -- his VFW wife who attended state banquets as his date. Come and go visitation Monday, November 21, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Family visitation 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Services will be held at Stumpff Funeral Home Chapel, 1600 SE Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, OK, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 2:00 PM. Military rites following at Ochelata Cemetery, West 2900 Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to VFW Department of Oklahoma, earmarked National Home for Children, 8841 N Hope Terrace, Yukon, OK 73099. This was Richard’s state chairmanship for many many years.

James "Richard" Cook

April 4, 1950 - November 14, 2022