James Duane Cook, 72, passed away March 16, 2013 of a sudden heart attack while doing what he enjoyed sharing outdoor time with his wife of 39 years, Vicki Jean (Johnson) Cook, visiting neighbors, horse-watching, and looking forward to his beloved OU football team's next season. He was a graduate of Palo Duro High School, Amarillo, TX and a 1965 grad in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Recruited by Bud Wilkinson in 1959, he played tackle and guard on the 1962 Big Eight Championship team and was Academic All Big Eight. He capped his football career at the 1963 Orange Bowl, but never missed an OU-Texas game clash for more than 20 years, there in rain or shine, enjoying Fletcher's corny dogs at the stand near Big Tex. He continued supporting his alma mater's sports and academic programs, particularly the mechanical engineering department. Two years ago, he retired from the Bama Companies after 25 years specializing as plant/facilities engineering and new plant construction. He enjoyed mentoring of coworkers in achieving their professional goals as engineers. Hobbies included Quarter Horse racing, tractors and working outdoors . Racing venues included Tulsa, Sallisaw, Remington Park in OKC, Fort Worth, El Paso, TX and Des Moines, Iowa, putting many thousands of 'racing' miles on his pickup. He was born Feb. 24, 1941 in Amarillo, TX to James Edwin Cook and Grace Blanche (Hunkapillar) Cook, deceased. Survivors are his wife, Vicki Jean (Johnson) Cook, also a mechanical engineer, daughter Kelli dawn Dean (David), granddaughters Kaili Dean, Aubrey Cook, daughter-in-law Lisa Booth Cook, all of Oklahoma City; brother Thomas Cook (Karen), Athens, TX; sister Linda Leamons (Ray), nephew Travis Leamons, both of Houston, TX; stepmother Norma Cook, Amarillo, TX; step-nephew Jeffrey Scott Johnson and brother-in-law Ronald Johnson, both of Indianapolis, IN, and special friend Beth Brown (Chris, deceased), Jackson, MS. He was preceded in death by son Kim Shawn Cook in 2009 and sister-in- law Katherine Johnson. Duane was also loved by Skittles the cat, his best friend from the moment they met. No service is planned. If you choose, memorial donations may be made to the University of Oklahoma annual fund, or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent through the guest book on this page.