Background and Qualifications
Meet Jim, our leader
Jim Cook possesses an extensive background spanning over 45 years in military leadership, business management, and community outreach, with his recent engagements including:
I am the current owner of JTCWorld, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS, committed to supporting veterans and their families with resiliency and mindfulness strategies. My advocacy extends to humanitarian efforts and fostering community partnerships.
As a volunteer and former Commander, I was responsible for mentoring 12 districts encompassing 155 posts, representing over 26,000 members of the American Legion Family in Washington State. Additionally, I managed the Department's administrative operations as the acting Adjutant for seven months.
As the volunteer Commander of American Legion Post 265 in Anderson, WA, I have led significant projects in support of the Legion's "four pillars" within the island community. This includes organizing and providing direct support for five vaccination events, achieving over 1,100 COVID inoculations. Presently, I serve as the Judge Advocate and Veteran Service Officer.
I served as the volunteer Executive Director at the Tillicum Community Center in Lakewood, WA, overseeing operations including a Food Bank, Clothes Closet, County Branch Library, Medical Clinic, senior meal site, and the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. My additional responsibilities encompass grant applications and donor correspondence, as well as roles in Emergency Management and community coordination.
Serving as the Contracts and Monitoring Manager for Pierce County, Washington, I oversee social service contracts and ensure compliance with these agreements by service providers in the state's second-largest county.
Brigadier General (retired in July 2012 after 34 years of service) served as a Commander in the US Army, overseeing engineering, medical services, community outreach, and training. Annually, this role entailed the support and evaluation of 8,000 to 15,000 service members preparing for deployment on humanitarian missions and other overseas contingency operations.
Significant qualifications and certifications include:
2024 Certified TRIP Program, Department of Veteran Affairs as Veteran Service Officer
2023 Certified Positive Psychology Mindfulness Life Coach,
2022 Graduate of the Citizens Academy, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Seattle Division,
2022 ETS Sponsor and Suicide Prevention Certification, US Department of Veterans Affairs,
2021 Certified Resilience Coaching and Leadership: Accredited,
2021 - 2022 Member of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Review Committee for Pierce County, WA,
2020 Member of Law and Justice Committee for Pierce County, WA,
Term 2019 - 2026 Past Chairman & Current member of the Anderson Island Citizens Advisory Board (AICAB) for Pierce County, WA,
Spiritual artist and founder of "Cre8 Zen" a mindfulness media creator, 2018
Author of "Zen Road Traveler", the first body of work to pair a Haiku with a picture, 2013,
Awarded Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), 2012, Legion of Merit (LOM), 2009, US Army,
National Security Fellow, Syracuse University,
Geopolitical Studies, JFK School, Harvard University,
Master's degree in strategic studies, US Army War College,
Master's degree in business management, Central Michigan University,
Bachelor's degree in chemistry, California State University,
Four – United States Patents in microsensor technology
Master Scuba Diver with mixed gases and other specialties
Ranger and Airborne Qualified, 1979, US Army
