James Cecil Cook

James Cecil Cook, 84, passed away on May 1, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He was born on August 1, 1930 in Portsmouth, Ohio as an only child to George William and Lillian Irene Adkins Cook.

After briefly following his father's career path with the railroad, Jim enjoyed a long and productive career as a pipefitter, working on numerous projects including the Diablo Canyon and San Onofre nuclear power plants in California.  He married Mardell Malmberg Burkert in 1972.  Jim joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1974, and enjoyed exuberant participation in ward choirs, church activities and church callings, including ward mission leader, Sunday School president, and High Priest group leadership, throughout his remaining years.  After 27 years in California, he and Mardell returned to Cottonwood Heights, Utah, where they have enjoyed many years among friends, family and grandchildren.

Jim was an accomplished musician, playing the saxophone and clarinet.  He began to play professionally at age 15 in Portsmouth, Ohio.  He played in several bands in California's central coast region, and continued in several bands in the Salt Lake City area, including the Phoenix Big Band, entertaining thousands over the years.

He is survived by Mardell, his wife of 42 years, son Michael James (Dana) Cook, daughter Cathy (Albert) Bures, daughter Mary (Mike) Armitage, grandson Dylan (Julie) Cook, granddaughter Emily Cook, step daughter Sandra (Milo) Tenney, step son Kenneth (Laura) Burkert, 14 step grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015, at 2:00 pm at the LDS Brighton 5th Ward, 2301 E Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Primary Children's Hospital, or your favorite charity.