Virginia Beach –
James Edward Cooke, 48, went home to be with the Lord on September 1, 2015. He was born in Canton, OH on February 24, 1967 to Nancy J. Smith of Greensboro, N.C. and Luther E. (Carolyn) Cooke of Canton, OH. James was a 1985 graduate of Perry High School, Massilion, OH. After high school, James entered the U.S. Navy; after a long distinguished career, he retired 22 years later as a Machinist Mate Master Chief (SW/AW). His duty stations included SIMA NRMF, PA; USS Miller, Newport, RI; USS Merrimack, Norfolk, VA; USS Monongahela, Norfolk, VA; BUPERS, Millington, TN and Washington, D.C.; USS George Washington, Norfolk, VA; FTSCLANT, Norfolk, VA; USS Harry S. Truman, Norfolk, VA. He retired while stationed at the Naval Safety Center, Norfolk, VA in 2007 and continued to serve as a government service employee assigned to MARMC, Norfolk, VA until his passing.
He was a lifetime member of the Harley’s Owners Group (HOG), held membership in the American Legion and attended the Kempsville Christian Church, Virginia Beach, VA.
James was predeceased in death by his step-father, David L. Smith. In addition to his surviving parents, he leaves his wife Jeanne Cooke, daughter Shelby Robinson, and son Jeremy Robinson; sister Jennifer Caporali and husband James of Franklin, TN; sister Julie Conklin and husband Thomas of Greensboro, N.C.; nephews James Caporali, Virginia Beach; Joseph Caporali of Little Rock, AR and Seth Fankhauser of Morrisville, N.C.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm, Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to Bikes4Blessings
5005 Ravenswood Road, Virginia Beach Va. 23462. Phone: 757-636-0361
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Jeanne, Colby, Jeremy and the Cooke family, I pray for strength, love and laughter in all that Jim brought to you all. My family and I miss him dearly and just still trying to believe he is gone with God. May the Grace of God and his love be with you all as he takes Jim home.
Shocked and very sad to hear of Jim passing. A fellow high school classmate and friend, he was very gracious and kind to everyone. Jim always had a great attitude with a fun light hearted sense of humor.
My deepest condolences for your loss. I left a message on the Canton Repository site but failed to leave my name. I first met Jim on the USS Miller. The rest of the message is on the other site. Again, my deepest condolences.