Jack W. Cook was born in Cabell County in 1926. A product of the public school system, he graduated from Huntington High School in 1944. After high school, Cook joined the U.S. Army and served in World War II in the Philippines.
After his wife and his family, Cook's love was for the students and athletes he interacted with in his more than 37 years of teaching and coaching in Huntington. He began his teaching career at Culloden Elementary in 1953, then went on to Miller Elementary, Cammack Junior High School and finally to Huntington High School in 1958. He coached Huntington High School baseball until 1966, winning state championships in 1961, 1964 and 1966. His record was 178-39. His coaching career with Marshall University's baseball team started in 1967.
Cook was named Coach of the Year in the years 1978-81. On his 80th birthday, there was a celebration dinner planned by several of his former players/students. Many students attended to show their appreciation for the outstanding contribution he made in their lives. He recognized the role one can play providing a service to the Huntington area and being an instrument in the development of the youth of Huntington.
