Gerald G. 'Jerry' Cook

Gerald G. (Jerry) Cook, 83, died after a fall in his home. He was found with no heartbeat after some time by his wife.

He was born on Dec. 26, 1938, to Wendell & Clara of Greybull, Wyo. He was one of seven sons born to this family.

After graduating from Greybull High School, he moved to Thermopolis to start his life. After jobs of a beer truck driver and gas station attendant, he took his lifelong job working for a plumber who taught him the trade very well. He was able to buy the business later and started JC Enterprises, which he operated for 40+ years.

God had other plans for his life and in August 1986 he moved to Rapid City S.D., where he started attending church. He and his wife accepted Jesus as their Savior and were baptized together.

He worked briefly for Sheesley's Plumbing and Heating before he needed to be "Boss" again. He started Accurate Plumbing and Heating almost 32 years ago. Due to health issues in the past year and a half, he drastically slowed down to nothing. The business has dissolved.

He loved cooking and was the cook in the kitchen for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. We knew we were in trouble after watching him prepare last year's feasts for the very last time. So, we prepared the dinners for him this year not realizing it would be his last.

He was a jack of all trades and even built the addition to his home of 35 years (with the help of a few good friends)! People thought the roof pitch was too steep to shingle it, so he did it himself...what a trooper!

He was married to Helen, where two sons were born, Roger and Harold. He later married Caroll. Then he met Johnette Chatham, He always said the third one was the charm. They recently celebrated 45 years of marriage in November.

They adopted their daughter, Ashley, in 1996 after being her guardian for two years. She was truly a blessing in disguise. He was such a spoiler to her. Then did the spoiler thing again to the granddaughter, Aerie Rain, she brought into his life 10 years ago.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and son, Roger.

He is survived by his wife, Johnette; daughter, Ashley; son-in-law, Vince; granddaughter, Aerie Rain; son, Harold of California; and brothers, David and Donnie of Wyo.

Cremation has taken place. His liver was donated.