Jimmy Cook

Jimmy Talmadge “Jimmy T” Cook (88) died at his home in Pembroke May 20, 2025

Born in Guyton, Georgia Feb 21, 1937 to James Haskell Cook and Mildred Glisson Cook, Jimmy moved with his family to Pembroke at a young age. As a headstrong child, he refused to attend school without his younger brother Freddie so they enrolled in 1st grade together in 1944 and graduated in 1956.

Jimmy followed his father’s footsteps into the Highway Department and served Georgia and its roads for 34 years. There was not a road or bridge in Southeast Georgia he was not familiar with, and he helped many young men in Bryan County “get on with the State”. He began on a Survey Crew and retired as Assistant Area Engineer for Maintenance.

Jimmy believed in the role of first responders. He served his community during the 1960’s as a member of the Civil Defense Auxiliary. At one point, Pembroke was down to two police officers, so he and Gene Cowart filled the weekend shift. In 1961, he joined the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Dept and served his community faithfully for 49 years, many of those as Chief. Few appreciate the challenges faced by small town fire departments today, much less decades ago, but no challenge went unanswered by Chief Cook and his department. Pembroke’s Fire Station #1 is named in his honor.

In 1962, he answered his highest calling as a husband to Judy B. Cook, father to Jay, Richard and Teresa and “Papa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was by every measure a family man for nearly 63 years of marriage. His ‘family’ extended up and down W E Smith Rd as he convinced young men to join the fire dept. Perhaps his proudest moments were when his grandsons joined the fire service.

Jimmy, Judy and their family loved to travel and visited 47 states, several National Parks and battlefields. He knew his history, loved his heritage and was proud to be from the South. He loved Pembroke and its people. A faithful patron of the lunch crowd, his smile, his laugh and his love of salmon patties and sweet potatoes were legendary. Every business downtown knew him, respected him and knew not to try and charge him an extra nickel.

Jimmy loved his Lord and Savior and was a member of the Pembroke Christian Church since 1954. He served as a Deacon and just like in the highways and the firehouses, his legacy lives on in the young men he encouraged to attend church with their families.

He is survived by his wife Judy B. Cook, sons Jay Cook (Candice) and Richard Cook (Stephanie), favorite daughter Teresa Anderson (Mark) and special son Chris Huggins (Josee); grandchildren Tal Cook, Hannah Cook, David Cook (Shelby), Dalton Cook (Samantha), Dakota Cook (Sharon) and Jordan Cook (Zane); great-grandchildren Blaire Oliver, Tucker Cook, Ian Cook, Kennedy Cook, Aiden Schafer and Olivia Schafer; sister-in-law Betty Cook, two brothers-in-law Rusty Womble and Wrence Beasley and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 5-8 P.M. Friday, May 23, 2025 at the funeral home

His funeral will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, May 24 2025 in the chapel of Flanders Powell Funeral Home with Pastor Russell Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in Northside Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Doug Kangeter, Fred Mock, Sonny Clark, Kim Morrison, Gary Morrison, and Mark Crowe. Honorary pallbearers will be Pembroke Fire Department, Mayor of Pembroke and City Council, David Blige, Alphonzo Hagan, Jeff Simmons, David Harn, Joey Burnsed, Valli Gapac, Bob Floyd, Clifford Bacot, Jimmy and LaDonna Cowart and Ron and Gena Lewis.

The family would like to thank Ogeechee Area Hospice, Stephanie, Cindy and Courtney for the wonderful kindness and care during Mr. Jimmy’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pembroke Fire Department or the charity of your choice.