Graveside services for lifelong Fremont County resident James “Jim” W. Cook, 88, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mountain View Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted, with participation by the Riverton Fire Department.
Mr. Cook passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026, in Riverton, Wyoming.
Jim was born on August 10, 1937, in Lander, Wyoming, to Charles M. and Leona A. (Wampler) Cook. He was raised and educated in Riverton, where he built a life deeply rooted in family, work, and community.
Mr. Cook proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1966.
Although Riverton was always home, Jim found great joy in travel and the outdoors. For over 40 years, he spent his winters in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, where he enjoyed the warm climate and coastal lifestyle. His summers were often spent at Dinwoody Lake, a place he loved dearly, where he built a cabin and created lasting memories fishing and enjoying time in the mountains.
Jim dedicated many years to his trade as a plumber and later became co-owner of Service Plumbing and Heating. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, he took pride in his work until his retirement in the 1980s.
He had a lifelong passion for the water, especially deep-sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez. In his younger years, Jim was also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast, enjoying the freedom of the open road.
Jim was deeply committed to serving others, a quality that defined both his life and his career. He joined the Riverton Volunteer Fire Department in 1965, dedicating 30 years of steadfast service before retiring in 1995. Over the course of his career, he held numerous leadership roles, including Rescue Captain from 1967 to 1970, Maintenance Captain in 1971, Trustee from 1974 to 1976, Water System Captain from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1984 to 1986, Training Captain in 1976, and Fire Captain in 1981. He ultimately served with distinction as Fire Chief from 1982 to 1983, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow firefighters and the community he proudly served.
In addition to his local service, Jim also served as Deputy Fire Chief for the Fremont County Fire District and later as a wildland firefighter, where he took on the responsibility of strike team commander. His leadership proved invaluable during some of the region’s most challenging moments, including the historic 1988 Yellowstone National Park fires, where he played a key role in suppression efforts.
Throughout his career, Jim traveled across several Rocky Mountain states, leading numerous strike teams in the fight against wildfires. His dedication, leadership, and willingness to help others reflected a deep sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to protecting both lives and the land.
Jim will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his hardworking nature, and the many friendships he built throughout his life.
Survivors include his nieces, Lisa (Roger) Olin, Pamela (Ben) Shaw, and Charla (Rick) Dietz. He is also survived by great nephews, Anthony Armstrong and Joe Newberry; great nieces, Bethany Bettolo, Jennifer Newberry, Erika Hershberger and Hanna Baudendistel and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Vivian Reno.
Online condolences for Jim’s family may be made at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments.