Jess Edward Cook, 79, of Freeland died March 2, 2004, at Kindred Hospital in Seattle.

He was born in Los Angeles, Calif. to Fred and Esther Cook. He graduated from George Washington High School in Los Angeles before joining the Navy on Oct. 22, 1942, known as “Navy Day,” one day before his 18th birthday. He served in both World War II and the Korean War aboard the USS Key De. 348 and later aboard the USS Essex CV9.

He joined the Seattle Police Department in 1955 and became a homicide detective before retiring in 1975. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Fraternal of Order of Elks.

He moved to Whidbey Island in 1982 and was active in his church serving as a council president, usher and reader. He enjoyed traveling, golf, and watching the ships go by from his deck.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Leola Jean.

He is survived by his sons, Jess Cook, Jr. and Philip Cook; daughter Debra Cook; and stepson Michael Gregg; grandchildren Christine Cook, Bill Cook, Jared Ensey, Jordan Ensey, Kari Cook and Allison Cook; and step-granddaughters Michaela Clausey and Cheryl Gregg.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery at 11 a.m. Monday.

Memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 18351 SR 525, Freeland, WA 98249, the Seattle Police Benefit Fund, 2517 Eastlake Ave. E. Ste. 101, Seattle, WA 98109 or the American Diabetes Association.