Jay Robert Crook

Jay R. Crook – In Memoriam

The Crook Family mourns the passing of our dearly beloved brother and uncle, Jay Robert Crook, 91, who died in his sleep on January 28th. A remembrance gathering will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, at the Marana Mortuary. Banquet to follow.

Born December 29th, 1931, in upstate New York, Jay led an adventurous and fascinating life. He spent many years travelling with special emphasis on the Middle East. After graduating with honors from Freeport, Long Island, High School, he entered the Armed Services during the Korean War. Following two years in the Army, he returned to school and pursued his interest in foreign cultures, achieving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dacca in Pakistan and, later, A Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in Iranian Studies from the University of Tehran.

Jay joined the Peace Corps soon after, and eventually became the Associate Director of the Peace Corps in Iran. He was there, working as an English Professor, during the Iranian Revolution and was helpful in bringing about the release of female and minority hostages being held in the American Embassy.

When he returned to the U. S., he taught English to foreign students. Jay was fluent in Farsi, Arabic, and seven other languages. He spent the latter part of his life translating books and in creative writing. His body of work includes three novels and two books of essays, memoirs, short stories