James Cook served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Infantry. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, with service dates from February 2, 1940 to February 21, 1960. He was killed in an accident on February 21, 1960 while returning from maneuvers in Alaska. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster and a Combat Action Ribbon.
