About Jim Cook
Jim Cook has dedicated his life to the Midwestern values with
which he was raised. hard work, dedication to family, and
service to community and country.
Born the 7th of 13 children in rural Illinois, Jim grew up
with a first hand understanding of the hopes, dreams, and
challenges confronting working families. With only a 5th grade
education, his parents migrated from Arkansas where they had
worked on a cotton farm. While in the 3rd Grade, Jim began
delivering groceries to help support his family, and continued
to work through middle and high school to help them build a
better life.
The hard work paid off. Cook received a full scholarship to
Southern Illinois University, and immediately following
graduation, launched a career in public service that has spanned
more than 3 decades—in the U.S. Marines, Marine Corps Reserve,
as a public school teacher, Corrections/Parole Officer, and
community volunteer.
EDUCATION:
B.S., Physical Education, Southern Illinois University, 1972
M.A., Psychology Counseling, Pepperdine University, 1983
Masters, Education Administration and Business,
Eastern Illinois University, 1985
EXPERIENCE:
U.S. Marine Corps, 1972-1978
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 1978-2002
Teacher, Eisenhower High School, Decatur Illinois, 1978-1986
Teacher/Wrestling Coach, Valley High School, Elk Grove, CA
1986-1989
Correctional Officer/Parole Agent, CA Department of Corrections,
1989-Present
-Special Emergency Response Teams Member, 1992-1994
-Gang Task Force
LEADERSHIP:
Captain (O-3), U.S. Marine Corps, 1972-1978
Colonel (O-6), Active Marine Corps Reserves, 1978-2002
Old Folsom State Prison Chapter President, CCPOA, 1996-1999
CCPOA Committee on Rural Healthcare, 1996-1999
CCPOA Job Steward, Sacramento Unit, 1994-Present
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Volunteer, Marine Corps “Toys 4 Tots” Program
Life Member: VFW Post 8254, Amador County
Member: American Legion Post 108, Ione
Member: Elk Grove Citizens for Responsible Growth
Board Member: Laguna Wrestling Academy
Volunteer: Correctional Peace Officers Foundation
Community Advocate: Public Safety, Veterans,
Sustainable Growth, and Workplace Safety issues
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