James Crook

James Peterson Crook, 87, of Iona, passed away July 3, 2018, at his home. He was under the care of his loving family and Aspen Home Health & Hospice. Jim was born May 23, 1931, in Smoot, Wyoming, to Rulon James "Hemi" Crook and Rula Jannett Peterson Crook. He grew up and attended schools in Smoot and graduated from Star Valley High School. He also attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he received a Master’s Degree in Child Development and Family Relations. He served an LDS mission to New Zealand from 1950-1953. On November 20, 1953, he married Verla J. Hokanson in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They were blessed with twelve children, Leanna, Terena, Merodene, Jay R., Scott, Shereen, Colleen, Nolin, Val, James, Becky and Jan. Jim and Verla made their home in Iona, Idaho, where Jim worked as a Seminary teacher for 34 years. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in various callings throughout the church, including: high councilman, counselor in a Bishopric, Bishop, Patriarch, Home Teacher, and Temple worker. He enjoyed family history and indexing. After Jim’s retirement, he and Verla served a mission to New Zealand from 1995-1996. He was a life-long learner and enjoyed reading, specifically the Book of Mormon. He loved participating in and watching sports, working with his hands, and spending time with his family. Jim was a farmer at heart, and with his wife, Verla, raised twelve children. He leaves a wonderful legacy for his posterity. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Verla Crook of Iona, ID; daughter, Leanna (William) Winder of Iona, ID; daughter, Terena Crook of Iona, ID; daughter, Merodene (Bruce) Case of Iona, ID; son, Jay R. (Bonnie) Crook of Centerville, UT; son, Scott (Janice) Crook of Bremerton, WA; daughter, Shereen (Brent) Dial of Shelley, ID; daughter, Colleen (Alan) Lambright of Mantua, UT; son, Nolin (Julie) Crook of Brigham City, UT; son, Val (Janet) Crook of Lyman, WY; son, James (Lauren) Crook of Gilbert, AZ; daughter, Becky Crook of Layton, UT; daughter, Jan (Brian) Bartschi of West Haven, UT; sister, Ened Crossley of Smoot, WY; 36 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rulon and Rula Crook; sisters, Cleta Crook and Vonda Bateson; and grandson, Jacob Case. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the Iona LDS 12th Ward, 5169 E. Denning, with his son, Bishop James H. Crook officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held