In Loving Memory
Our Beloved
Do not weep because I’ve gone, my love remains, it lingers on.
In every breeze, in morning’s glow, I’m closer than you’ll ever know.
Remember laughter, soft and true, the joy I found in each of you.
Though I’ve journeyed out of view, my heart lives on — in all you do.
Obituary
James C. Cooke, Jr. was born on January 29th, 1944, in Harlem, New York, to the late James C. Cooke Sr. and Kirkatalena Cooke. Sadly, he departed this life on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025. James was educated in the New York City Public School system. He graduated from Charles Evans Hughes High School in 1961. Prior to a brief period, he was enrolled at Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. Unfortunately, due to a serious illness he could not complete his course of study there. He later enrolled at the City College of New York and began pursuing a degree in Business Management. In 1969, James married Betty Ware who preceded him in death. Many years later, he married Millicent Bright who preceded him in death. On October 15th, 2011, James and Celeste Trotman were united in holy matrimony at Shiloh Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. At the age of 10 years old, James became a member of the New York City Mission Society Cadet Corps. As a teen, he joined the Minisink Warriors Drum and Bugle Corps, starting in the drum line and later becoming the drum major in the early 1960’s. He would go on to become the Business Manager of the Drum and Bugle Corps and Program Director of the Cadet Corps. During the summer months “Cooke” or “Jimmie,” as he was called, became a counselor at Camp Minisink in the early 1960’s as well. He taught arts and crafts. Prior to his time at Camp Minisink, James pledged to the Order of the Feather which focused on community service, personal growth and brotherhood. He would join the Order of the Bonnet. He became the designer and creator of the handmade headdress for the Order. In September of 1964, James, along with seven others, became a founder of Pen and Scroll Fraternity four years later the Pen and Scroll Sorority was founded. A part of the mission statement states that, “The Pen and Scroll Organization was established to build a better life for the young men and women by helping them achieve economic empowerment, academic advancement and cultural awareness.” In 1968, James became a Prince Hall Mason belonging to Euclid Lodge #1, the Shriner of Medina #19. James left New York City Mission Society in 1974. He started working for the New York City Housing Authority as the Director of the Housing Authority Drum and Bugle Corps. Some years later he took a civil service job to become a Principal Administrative Associate III within the Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration. He retired at the age of 70. James had a love for music. He started his own deejay company called Car-Jam along with Carl Williams, a close friend. He loved hosting parties in his home, he enjoyed dancing to salsa music, listening to jazz and having a good time with his family and friends. Traveling was a big part of his life, as well. He took trips to the Caribbean Islands, Hawai’i, Florida just to name a few. He lived a well-rounded life. He left to cherish his memories are: Wife – Celeste Cooke Mother – Kirkatalena Cooke-Sewer Stepmother – Janet Trollman Stepson – David Bright Siblings – Dorothy Haughton, Patricia Cooke, Kenneth Cooke (Lisa), Olivia Vega, Shauntay Frazar and Aaron Cooke Nieces and Nephews – Chevonne Kirkland (Derek), Robert Pierce, Jr. (Tina), Dana Claybrooks (Travis), Sarrel Graves, Jason Cooke (Nicole), Owen Cooke (Jenny), Dominique Johnson, Krystal Cooke, Jarryd Cooke, Jonathon Cooke (Diamond), Tyhanor LaHorlette, Tyler Cooke, Stephanie Cooke and Mica Cooke Sister-in-Law – Delanye Cooke, wife of Robert Cooke (sibling) who preceded James in death and a host of grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and friends.
Arrangements Entrusted To:
Granby’s Funeral Service, Inc.
4021 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10466
