James K. Cook

James K. "Jim" Cook, 75, of Parsons, passed away on September 11, 2025, at Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri

James Kenneth Cook was born on June 18, 1950, to Kenneth and Helen (Aspegren) Cook in Ottawa, Kansas.  He grew up and attended elementary school in Ottawa.  After graduating from Belleville High School in Belleville, Kansas, he attended Fort Hays State University.

While in college, he began a long newspaper career.  He was a reporter with the Hays Daily News until 1978.  From 1978 to 1985, Jim was the editor for the Chanute Tribune.  He worked for Harris News Service from 1985 to 1992.  In 1992, he became the managing editor for the Parsons Sun, a position he held until 2005.  From 2005 to 2010, Jim was the Labette County Emergency Manager.

Over the years, he served as a board member for the Osa and Martin Johnson Museum in Chanute and the Parsons Public Library.

He had a music collection of over 30,000 songs on his computer.  Collecting beer signs and other beer related items was also one of his favorite hobbies.

Survivors include:

His wife – Jadeen (Zeigler) Cook of Parsons, Kansas

One son – Dennis Cook of Parsons, Kansas

His mother – Helen Cook of Phoenix, Arizona

One brother – Dennis Cook of Phoenix, Arizona

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Cook; and one brother, John Cook

To honor Jim's wishes, there will not be a funeral service.  His family is planning a Celebration of Life that will be announced at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Public Library.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.