James R. Crook

JAMES ROBERT “Jim” CROOK March 24, 1930 – May 5, 2017                   James Robert “Jim” Crook, age 87, a long time Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully passed into eternity on Friday evening, May 5, 2017 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids.                 Jim was born on March 24, 1930 in Park Rapids to Robert and Floe (Summers) Crook.  He attended public schools in Park Rapids through his junior year of high school when he moved to Vancouver, WA where he lived with his sister, Marian Pratt and her husband, Don while he completed his final year of high school in 1949.  As a young man, Jim entered the United States Navy where he proudly served his country aboard the USS Cavalier, an attack transport vessel which brought men and supplies to the Korean beachheads.  After serving for four years, Jim received his honorable discharge and returned to Park Rapids.  On November 7, 1954, Jim was united in marriage to Ruth Caroline Town at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids.  They were blessed with six children:  Jeffrey, Terry, Gary, Sue, Keith and Lisa.  Jim spent a 37 year career working for the Hubbard County Highway Department, retiring as a surveyor.  He loved spending time out in the MN outdoors with his family.  Jim enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, picking blueberries, working in his large vegetable garden and going for walks in the woods.  He enjoyed reading and especially loved to read to his children and grandchildren seeking to instill in each of them a love for reading and learning.  Jim was well known for his quick wit and his ease at talking with anyone about anything.  He loved going out to eat at the Great Northern Café and the Rapid River Logging Camp.  He was a long time member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212.  Above all, Jim loved spending time with his children and grandchildren who he loved with all his heart.                 Jim will be lovingly remembered by his three sons: Jeffrey Town, Gary Crook and Keith (Dorothy) Crook all of Park Rapids; his two daughters: Susan Mason of Sleepy Eye, MN and Melisa (Mark) Wallace of Winthrop, MN; six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; his sister, Marian (Don) Pratt of Kissee Mills MO; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.                 He was preceded in death by his precious wife, Ruth in 1994 and his son, Terrance “Terry” who died in 1979; a younger brother, Melvin who died in 1937 and his son-in-law, Theodore Mason who died in 2016.                      Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, May 12, 2017 at the East Side Christian Church near Hubbard, MN with Pastor Justin Domogalla officiating.  A luncheon will be hosted by the church family following the service.  Interment will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery.  The Star Of The North Marine Corps League will provide military honors.  Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM Thursday, May 11th at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and will continue on Friday beginning one hour prior to the service at the church.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com