James “Leroy” Lamar Cook was born to Otis and Mildred Cook on April 14, 1939 in Rutledge GA. After high school he joined the Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman, and retired after twenty years. Worked at Safeway for twenty years and decided he wanted to go fishing, because that is the reason he came back to Fallon in the first place.
In his Naval career, he was stationed to many wonderful locations with family in tow. Started in California, then off to Honolulu Hawaii, Key West Florida, and Kodiak Alaska. Had a chance to go to Japan, but wanted to go to Fallon Nevada for his last tour of duty, so he could retire. He had been here 19 times in his Naval career for training and loved it because of all the lakes and good fishing.
He was very proud of his Military service. Volunteered and served many positions at the American Legion and VFW. He was also a member of the Color guard.
Leroy wore many hats. Loved to tinker with cars, could fix anything, but it would be Georgia boy style and he would get it to work no matter what. He was a great friend to many and would give you the shirt off his back. His friendship will surely be missed!
He passed away on February 8, 2023 after a long battle with Dementia and passed away peacefully in his home, which is where he wanted to be. Before his passing he said he could hear Judy in the kitchen cooking. Now they are together and she is cooking him, her homemade Southern Fried Chicken and biscuits and bacon gravy.
He is survived by his daughter Bobbie (Greg) Diehl, son Donald Cook, his sister Nett, grandkids; Coby Diehl, Tori Post, Wesley Perrone, Mikey Perrone and Annie Post and great grand kids; Riley Post, Skylar Post, Sierra Diehl, Macie Diehl, Coby Diehl Jr, Chase Diehl, Tanika Perrone, Lakylie Perrone, Carter Perrone, Tristan Perrone, Jacob Perrone, Keidra Post, Derrick Post Jr and Arwen Post.
He is preceded in death by his wife Catherine (Judy) Cook, daughter Terri Perrone, parents; Otis and Mildred Cook; brother Gene Cook and sister Ann Baggett.
A celebration of life was held at the American Legion on March 18, 2023.