James (Jim) E. Cooksey

James Edgar Cooksey, 85, a long time resident of Auburn, WA. passed away at the home of his son in Southern California of natural causes. Jim joined his wife, Barbara Jean Cooksey, on Friday September 7, 2007. Jim and Barbara were married 58 years before her sudden death on November 24, 2004.

He was born in Des Moines, Iowa on December 16, 1921 to Edgar E. and Lucille L. Cooksey. In May 1942, he proudly began serving our country in the US Coast Guard as an anti air-craft machine gunner and depth charge operator. For most of his active duty service he was assigned to the destroyer escort, USS Ramsden, where he saw much combat while escorting supply ships crossing the North Atlantic during WW II. When reminiscing, Jim would often talk about his using tracer control (every third bullet) as a means to see where they're shooting during night fighting operations. On December 16, 1945 he was honorably discharged as a Seaman First Class.

One day while at sea, Jim received a letter from a girl back home that got his name from the church and was writing a letter to a sailor. That letter started the beginning of a new life with his future wife to be. After leaving the Coast Guard, Jim met Barbara for the first time. They were married April 5, 1946 in Central Christian Church, Des Moines, Iowa. Shortly after their marriage, Jim went to business school and soon afterwards started working for Economy Forms Corporation (EFCO) at the Main Office in Des Moines.

In November 1962, Jim and Barbara settled in Auburn after Jim's company transferred him to Kent, WA to manage EFCO's Northwest operations where he was promoted to the position of Office and Warehouse Manager. As the NW Manager Jim earned the Best Organized Warehouse Award in 1982, Highest Quality Reworked EFCO forms Award in1977 & 79 and EFCO's coveted award for best Attitude of Manager towards Customers, Salesmen and Field Service two years in a row 1980 & 81. After a successful career that lasted 39 years, Jim retired from EFCO in 1987.

In retirement Jim and Barb volunteered countless hours of service to help others. They unselfishly gave their time and of themselves in order to improve the quality of life for all. They played a vital role in the community, with neighbors showing their concern for one another, both friends and strangers alike.

Jim and Barb's loyal and dedicated service to the Auburn Community Fund was officially recognized in 1993 by Bob Roegner, the then Mayor of Auburn. For over 15 years Jim and Barb served as Salvation Army Kettle Coordinators for the Auburn-Kent Valley area. Jim was an active member in the American Legend Post 78, King Solomon Masonic Temple, Disabled American Veterans, and Kiwanis of the Valley and proudly served as the President in 1982-1983 and for several years after that as Treasurer.

Jim will be remembered as a friendly person and a man with a big heart. He was an honest easy going guy that you could always count on. He believed in God and ran his life accordingly. He never wanted to be burden on anyone but would give you the shirt off his back if he knew it would help. In his later years, his favorite past time was watching Seahawk football, Angels baseball and old westerns.

He is survived by his son, Bruce Cooksey of Alta Loma, CA. and granddaughter Farrah Lynn and her husband Frank James Stewart of Riverside, CA and their soon to be born. He also leaves behind his 4-legged companion, Mitzi, a Boston Terrier dog and many friends.

Barbara's remains will be exhumed from Tahoma National cemetery in Covington and moved to California where she will join Jim FOREVER. Joint Graveside services will be held at Friday September 28 at 10:45, Staging Area #4 at the Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California where a Military Memorial will be performed in his honor. Pastor Paul Butterfield of North Auburn Baptist Church will officiate for the services. Cucamonga Mortuary has been entrusted with the Arrangements, 909-466-7712.