The family of James "Butch" Cook of Union, KY announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
James spent his working life as ['machine operator from Atkins and Pearce'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Family is the thread that runs through every story.
James "Butch" Cook, 83, of Union, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospice Center in Edgewood, Kentucky.
Butch was devoted to his beloved wife, Donna, with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage before her passing in 2022.
He retired as a machine operator from Atkins and Pearce, Inc. Butch found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing and spending time in nature, often watching wildlife, especially birds and the hummingbirds that gathered at his feeders.
Above all else, Butch was a family man. His children and grandchildren meant everything to him, and he cherished every moment spent with them. One of his most treasured memories was celebrating his 80th birthday with a helicopter ride in Gatlinburg during a family trip-an experience that brought him great joy.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Cook.
Butch is survived by his daughters, Denise Williams (Tom), Delene Branstutter (Frank); son Darin Cook (Karen); grandchildren: Lauren Chen (Tommy), Lindsey Fields (Taylor), Alexis Williams, Alivia Johnson (Tommy), Aleaha Cook, Ava Cook, Jaxon Nienaber and Brooklyn Coyle; great-grandchildren: Lucas, Isaac and Sutton Fields; sister, Katherine Ann Hein.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the time of funeral service, 11:00 AM, at Linnemann Funeral Home, 30 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger, KY 41018. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Erlanger, KY.
Memorials are suggested to St. Elizabeth Hospice Center DONATE or to Kenton County Animal Services DONATE
Online condolences can be made at www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com
Linnemann Funeral Home Erlanger is honored to serve the family of James "Butch" Cook.
