The Clinton Chamber recognized the 49th consecutive Ag Person of the year. “From what I’ve heard on prior Ron Arthur commercials…the first dinner was held on the square with 16 guests and 2 grills” according to ag committee member Dan Wallace Monday night. He went on to say, “On these slides, you see farmers and ranchers, various agri-businessmen & women, bankers, teachers, and veterinarians. Some are still with us, some have passed on. Three on this list have passed in the last 13-14 months. All three were instrumental in the 4-H & FFA programs here in Henry County and served on the sale committee. We lost Bill Ragland in July last year; David Huenefeldt in August last year, and David Hutcherson this past April. I would take this moment to observe a moment of silence and remember the contributions they have made to Henry County agriculture and the youth.
With that said…let’s celebrate and honor the 49th Ag Person of the year.
It’s going to be tough to not divulge the recipient pretty quickly, so when it happens, it happens!
Our 2022 Ag Person of the year was born and raised in Clinton. He attended Holy Rosary School through 7th grade and was President of his class at the Clinton High School. After graduating he continued to work with his father, Bob Cook, at Henry County Supply (a family ag business formed in 1958).
He and his brothers built the grain elevator, spread anhydrous and fertilizer on many of the local farms, and row cropped many acres. In 1988, the family business was renamed Cook Tractor Company, and moved to its current and expanding location, where he started the tractor salvage business. As the salvage business has continued to grow and change, Cook Tractor Parts was formed and has become the largest ag salvage parts dealer in the Midwest. Serving the ag community into the third generation.
(by now, you know I am talking about Jim Cook. Jim, come on up as I continue to talk about you).
Jim is a member of the National Tractor Parts Dealer Association. He has been a big supporter of area 4H/FFA clubs. He believes deeply in supporting the youth and encouraging continued growth in the farm community. Jim has always been willing to give his time and talent back to the community. He is an active member of Holy Rosary Church, as well as the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree. He can often be found in the kitchen at dinners that support these groups, helping in various ways.
Jim has volunteered his time on the Truman Lake Community Foundation Board and currently serves as President. He set up a trust through the Community Foundation in his parent’s name to benefit catholic education. He has served on the Clinton Tourism Committee and as Chamber of Commerce President. He is an annual sponsor of Clinton’s Olde Glory Days activities. He is also a member and past President of the Sunrise Optimist Club.
In his free time, Jim enjoys swimming and fishing with his grandchildren. Jim and his wife Jackie grow a large vegetable and flower garden each year. He was delighted to can more than 200 jars of blackberry jelly this year, to donate to the annual Holy Rosary country store.
Like his grandpa Steve, Jim raises dahlia’s and shows them at events put on by the Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society, of which he is a member. He attends shows at the State Fair, Powell Gardens, and Suburban Lawn & Garden. Jim annually donates his extra bulbs to the dahlia society’s dahlia bulb sale. Last Friday, Jim was awarded the BEST OF SHOW at the Missouri State Fair Dahlia Show.
Jim is proud to be a part of the farming community.
Wallace finished up with, “And, the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committtee is proud to name Jim Cook Ag Person of the Year for 2022.”
