James Edward Rook, Sr. was born to James Landers Rook and Ella Truitt on June 6, 1941 in Wilmington, DE. He peacefully departed this life at the age of 66 on February 7, 2008 at Christiana Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
He grew up and attended school in Wilmington, DE. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1959. During his service in the Army he was stationed in Germany where he meet and became best friends to this day with Jim Stout. There he served in the 38th Infantry as a E-4. He was honorably discharged in March of 1965 after his honest and faithful service.
After his service in the Army and traveling the world he returned to Wilmington, DE. where he came to work for A. I. DuPont Hospital for Children until retiring after 40+ years of dedicated service. Jim also worked part time for many years for Dr. & Mrs. Kalamanchi. After his retirement he went to work at Valley Garden Park in Greenville.
Jim and Karin met in 1968 in Wilmington and were married on April 28th 1971. They lived and raised their family in Wilmington. With wide open arms they opened their family home to extended family members that needed a roof over their heads or just to be loved and cared for.
Jim was a devoted and loving family man, which shows in his children which were his life. He endearingly nicknamed his kids, grandkids, family and friends. He was a exceptionally skilled and talented gardener and all around handyman. Jim was the best at whatever he did. He took great pride in his garden. Jim took pleasure in his spare time being with his family fishing and boating. He also loved to read and do crossword puzzles. He loved his family, laughing and making others laugh. His generous, kind heart will deeply be missed but not forgotten. Everyone who knew Jim loved him.
Jim leaves to cherish his memory; his wife Karin, his daughter Judy & son-in-law Darryl, his sons’ James and daughter-in-law Beverly, Karl and daughter-in-law Nicole, grandson Scooter whom he raised as his own. His loving grandchildren Jessica, Tyeisa, Andre, Jimmy Jr., Jordan, Destyne and Karl Jr. His great-grandchildren, Tacarea and Jaelynn. Sisters’ Mary Jane, Amber, Shirley and Pat, brothers Charlie and George, sister-in-law Mary, and many loving nieces and nephews and a special devoted niece his “ Blankenboat”. Wonderful devoted friends, Jim & Joanne Stout, LaVaida White and Edna Wright. And a host of other loyal friends, co-workers and neighbors. Jim was preceded in death by his brother John and sister Sandy.
