James “Jim” W. Cook, 88, of Riverton, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, hard work, and a deep love for the outdoors. A lifelong resident of Fremont County, Jim’s roots ran deep in the community he cherished. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mountain View Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered with participation from the Riverton Fire Department—an organization that held a special place in his heart.
Born on August 10, 1937, in Lander, Wyoming, Jim was the son of Charles M. and Leona A. (Wampler) Cook. He grew up in Riverton, where he attended school and built a life centered on family, work, and community involvement. His early years shaped the values he carried throughout his life: dedication, humility, and a steadfast commitment to helping others. These qualities would later define both his professional career and his decades of public service.
Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, receiving an honorable discharge in 1966. After returning home, he devoted himself to his trade as a plumber, eventually becoming co‑owner of Service Plumbing and Heating. Known for his reliability and strong work ethic, Jim took great pride in his craft and continued working until his retirement in the 1980s.
Outside of work, he embraced a life filled with adventure and appreciation for nature. For more than 40 years, he spent winters in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, enjoying the warm climate and deep‑sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez. Summers were spent at Dinwoody Lake, where he built a cabin and created countless memories surrounded by the mountains he loved.
Jim’s commitment to service extended far beyond his professional life. He joined the Riverton Volunteer Fire Department in 1965 and dedicated 30 years to protecting his community. Over the decades, he held numerous leadership roles, including Rescue Captain, Maintenance Captain, Trustee, Water System Captain, Training Captain, Fire Captain, and ultimately Fire Chief from 1982 to 1983.
His leadership, calm under pressure, and unwavering dedication earned him the respect of fellow firefighters and the gratitude of the community. Jim also served as Deputy Fire Chief for the Fremont County Fire District and later became a wildland firefighter, leading strike teams across the Rocky Mountain region. His contributions during the historic 1988 Yellowstone National Park fires remain a testament to his courage and skill.
Throughout his life, Jim was known for his love of the outdoors, his adventurous spirit, and the friendships he built along the way. Whether riding his Harley‑Davidson in his younger years, fishing in the Sea of Cortez, or spending quiet days at his cabin, he embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude. He will be remembered for his kindness, his steady presence, and the countless lives he touched through his service and friendship.
Jim is survived by his nieces, Lisa (Roger) Olin, Pamela (Ben) Shaw, and Charla (Rick) Dietz; great‑nephews Anthony Armstrong and Joe Newberry; great‑nieces Bethany Bettolo, Jennifer Newberry, Erika Hershberger, and Hanna Baudendistel; and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Vivian Reno. His legacy of dedication, generosity, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.