At the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) Awards Breakfast, the first Jeff Wilson Award for Selfless Education was presented to Jim Cook of Ogden High School in Ogden, UT.
The new award was established in memory of Jeff Wilson, an instructor, mentor and leader who died, along with his wife, Amber, and their son, Shiloh, in a flash flood in Texas over the July 4th weekend. Jeff’s tragic passing left an unfillable void in both the Houston educational community and within the I-CAR family.
Cook was selected for the recognition for embodying the same selflessness, drive and dedication that Jeff lived by every day.
“Jeff wasn’t just a colleague—he was family,” said Adan Ibarra, owner of Leading Edge Collision and current I-CAR chairman, about his close friend. “His belief in students, his willingness to give without expecting anything in return, and his drive to make education meaningful will forever be part of who we are as an industry. This award ensures that his legacy continues to guide us all.”