Jere Cook's Obituary
Jere Cook, Retired Colonel, United States Air Force, passed away Monday, November 27, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 25, 1948, in Peoria, IL to Jerry and Virginia Stiers Cook. Jere earned a bachelor’s degree in history at Bradley University, Peoria, IL. He earned another bachelor’s degree in architectural studies at the University of IL, and then a master’s in architecture. He then proceeded to earn a master’s degree in community health administration and wellness promotion, and co-authored a book with his wife, Patty, titled “Fitness for Boomers”.
Jere’s military service spanned over 38 years. His commitment to military service started early when he joined his high school’s NJROTC. He continued his service during his college years by joining the ROTC, and his first active duty assignment was during the Vietnam War Era, as a Missilleman at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, South Dakota. He then served as a civil base engineer for the 176th WING at Kulis Air National Guard Base in Anchorage, Alaska, and later at the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard Base in Jacksonville, Florida. During the mid 1980’s he transferred again to the 202nd RED HORSE squadron at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Starke, Fl. He concluded his military career by serving as Commander of the 202nd RED HORSE Squadron at from 1993-2003. Deployments with the 202nd included Miami, Fl after Hurricane Andrew, Honduras, South America to build medical clinics and schools, and several countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Korea. Additional distinctions earned included Fellowship in the Society of American Military Engineers, and receiving twice the Florida Distinguished Service Medal (Florida Cross), & twice the National Defense Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
Jere met and married the love of his life, Patty in 1985. Jere and Patty were blessed with 39 years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling extensively through not only Europe, but also through the southern United States and the Pacific Northwest. Jere and Patty have been active supporters of The Diocese of St Augustine, and Jere was a faithful member of several different catholic parishes in the diocese, most recently at Holy Faith Catholic Church in Gainesville, Fl. Since moving to Gainesville, Jere and Patty expanded their service work to include Catholic Charities of Gainesville FL, helping in the “Weekend Hunger Backpack Program”. Jere was also a magician and he and Patty had a magic business, “The Doctor Magic Show” for 35 years. They performed in a variety of venues over the years, and could often be seen at daycares, schools, churches, and public events, as well as at private parties and corporate events.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Judy Mecum. Jere is survived by his wife, Patty Cook, daughter, Dr. Petra (Fred) Townsend, and granddaughters, Alice and Natalie. Also surviving are his niece Meredith Bloomfield, cousins, Gary and Bette Stiers and Michaele Hall, and many extended family members and friends.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 6:30 PM with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM at Holy Faith Catholic Church 747 NW 43rd St. Gainesville, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 11AM with Fr. Jose Kulathinal as celebrant. A reception will follow at the church. Following the reception, interment will be held in the U. S. Patriots section at St. Madeline Catholic Church Cemetery, 17155 NW US HWY 441, High Springs, FL with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in his name to Catholic Charities of Gainesville, www.catholiccharitiesgainesville.org.
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