Winfred Gerald Cook Jr.

Winfred Gerald Cook, Jr, “J.R.”, 57, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on March 9, 2024. He was born on June 24, 1966, in Sedalia, MO.

While growing up in Sedalia, he grew to love sports, boy scouts and the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He attended and graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia, MO.

As a boy, he was affectionately known as “Junior”. However, once he moved away from Missouri, he decided to rebrand his name and started going by “J.R.”. He frequently laughed that his mid-west name was Junior and his west coast name is “J.R.”. And only family that he grew up with were allowed to call him Junior.  

After graduating high school, J.R. served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Las Vegas, NV mission where he went on to serve in the Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, Sparks and Kingman areas.

He married his sweetheart, Caralee Blackburn on December 19, 1987 in the St. George, Utah temple. Together, J.R. and Caralee raised 3 kids in Henderson, NV.

J.R. was actively involved in his kid’s lives growing up, coaching their sports teams, driving them around and making sure he was at all scouting and church activities. His greatest achievement was his caring wife and family, that he loved immensely. Seeing his grandsons be born and being able to interact with them over the last few years brought J.R. a joy and light that will be a cherished memory for his whole family.

J.R. never heard a joke he couldn’t laugh at. He loved being the heart of the group and making people laugh, any chance he could get.

J.R. lived a life of integrity, compassion, and joy. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and wisdom, leaving behind a profound impact on his family and friends. He lived a life of simplicity, finding joy in the little things, cherishing the moments spent with loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories that will be carried in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his wife, Caralee Blackburn, children Adam (Kaeley), Hayden (Tori), and Kaitlee Windholz (Colby), and grandchildren Easton and Hunter. J.R. is also survived by his sister, Marcie Walton (Paul).

He is now reunited in Heaven with his mother Idella M. Furnell and Winfred G. Cook, Sr.

The services to honor J.R.’s life will be held on Friday, March 15^th at the Cholla St. Chapel (303 S. Cholla St, Henderson, NV).

Viewing- 12pm

Services- 1pm

The burial will take place at 3pm at services at Palm Mortuary & Cemetery (800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV)

To watch the service virtually, please visit https://www.youtube.com/c/303Cholla

J.R. Cook will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We take comfort and joy in knowing we will be reunited with him.

Please send flowers to 303 Cholla St, Henderson, NV 89002