Ira H. Cook

Ira H. Cook passed away at Friends of Caroline Hospice on June 15, 2023, in the presence of his wife Carol and sweet baby dog, Meika.  The son of Joseph and Elsie Cook, he was born in Pipestem, West Virginia. Throughout his youth he lived in Johnson City, Tennessee.

He was a man devoted to his family, community, and country.  He was a retired veteran of 20 years in the United States Airforce where he served our country in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  He remained in the Air Force as a Tech Sergeant assigned to the duty of Base Sergeant Major where he received a Commendation Medal for his meritorious service for his exceptional performance.  Upon retirement he served as Rockingham County Deputy Sheriff, continued in law enforcement as a private detective, was on the drug task force, was dedicated to improving the lives of incarcerated youth, setting up group homes for displaced youth, provided background checks for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and became a partner with his wife Carol in setting up two schools for high risk middle school students (Learning Skills Academy and the COOL School:  Center of Optimum Learning).

He was a man who brought levity, warmth, sense of humor and patriotism to all the lives he touched.  He will be missed by so many in his current home TidePointe  in Hilton Head SC, and former residence in Sun City SC and New Hampshire.

Family who went before:

Joseph Cook (father) Elsie Cook (mother) and Gertrude Cook (stepmother), his siblings Conny and Andrew Cook, his eldest son Barry Cook, stepsister Joan Landreth and stepbrother Ed Roland

Family he left behind:

He is loved by his wife of 38 years Carol Cook, Children & Stepchildren:

Megumi Cook (Barry's wife), Steven & Jennifer Cook, Martin & Rosemary Cook, Denise Cook, Jennifer & Bruce Cilley and Heather & Kieran Ramsey.

Ira had and loved 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held:

NH Family and Friends:  Friday, July 14, 2023, 10 am Newmarket Community Church 137 Main Street Newmarket, NH 03857

SC Family and Friends:    Saturday, August 5, 2023, 11 am Sauls Funeral Home

90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, South Carolina

Arlington National Cemetery Family Service:  Inurnment Columbarium TBA

In lieu of flowers donation to:  Caroline’s Cottage Inpatient Hospice 329 Friends Ln. Ridgeland, SC 29936