James Crook, 81
James Crook, 81, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. He was the loving husband of Karole (Koczera) Crook for 60 years.
Born in the South End of New Bedford, son of the late Clarence and Bernadette "Boots" Crook, he moved to Ohio to obtain his Masters and Ph.D, then raised his daughters and started his career in California, before he and Karole moved to Florida for a short time, eventually moving "back home" to Massachusetts, starting off in Norwell and ending up in Mattapoisett.
Jim was an environmental engineering consultant with more than 40 years of experience in state government and consulting engineering, serving public and private sectors in the United States and abroad. He authored more than 100 publications, was an internationally recognized expert in the area of water reuse and reclamation, and was involved in numerous projects and research activities involving public health, regulatory and permitting issues, risk assessment, and water treatment technology. He remained active as a consultant into his late 70's.
In his younger days, Jim enjoyed sailing, usually starting off at Buzzards Bay. Later in life, he found pleasure in tinkering around the house and yard and kept in shape by working out at home, which he did well into his 70's. He loved listening to and dancing to classic 50's rock and roll, he'd never turn down an opportunity to cheer on New England sports teams, especially the Boston Bruins, and he was always up for going out to a meal of little neck clams, quahogs, or English batter fish & chips, often washing them down with an ice cold beer.
Survivors include his wife Karole; his children, Cathryn A. Green of Bremerton, Washington, and Paula M. Benone of Richmond, California; his grandchildren, Brianne Jones, Marissa Jones, and Rachel Green; his great-grandchildren, Deliliah Ann Frasquillo and Charlotte Renee Frasquillo, and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his siblings, Judith Laliberte, Thomas Crook, and George Crook; and by his grandson, Ryan James Green.
Jim's funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 10 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in New Bedford. His visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1st from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to an animal rescue organization of your choice.
