James Edward Cooke

Lt. JAMES EDWARD “Jim” COOKE, Henrico County Fire Department (ret.), passed away peacefully in his home on November 25, 2025.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Janice Elaine Smith Cooke, and by his three sisters, Dallys Marie Cooke Pfeiffer-Clarke, Audrey Nell Cooke Gust, and Margaret Irene Cooke Garlick.

Born July 20, 1940, on the family farm in Cumberland County, Virginia, he was the only son of the late Henry Edward “Ed” Cooke and Audrey Irene White Cooke.

Jim is survived by his three sons, James E. “Jimmy” Cooke, Jr. (Karen), Jeffrey Neal Cooke (Kelly), and Jay Frederick Cooke (Sandy); his grandchildren Jameson Boyer “Jeb” Cooke (Jessie), Grayson Joseph “Gray” Cooke, Colby Neal Cooke, Marley Bradford Cooke Ambacher (Cody), Marshall Edward Cooke, Jordan Paige Cooke, and Jason Daniel Cooke; his great-grandchildren, Frances Courtney “Franny” Cooke, Charlotte Marie “Charley” Ambacher, Rowan Jacob “Ro-Ro” Cooke, and Josephine Anne “Josie” Ambacher; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim served in the Virginia Army National Guard until 1963, and then in the US Army Reserves until 1965, when he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. For about 30 years he served Henrico County as a Lieutenant in the Fire Department, and for his remaining years he served his grandchildren and great grandchildren as their “Pop-Pop”.

Jim was known as “The Piddler” because he loved to tinker with and fix mechanical things. He was also a part-time mechanic and crew chief for Jay and Jeff when he built, and they raced, go-carts. Some of the best times of his life were spent with family and friends at Buggs Island Lake, and more recently at the Tuckahoe Moose Lodge.

A good friend and father; a beloved “Pop-Pop”: his presence will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Tuckahoe Moose Lodge or one of these Henrico County firefighter funds:

Henrico Firefighter Foundation (henricofirefighterfoundation.org)

Henrico Firefighters & Families Charitable Foundation (hffcf.com)

His funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, December 3rd, with a visitation prior from 1:00-2:00pm. Both services will take place at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 1291 Columbia Road, Columbia, Virginia. Interment will immediately follow in the church cemetery where Jim will be laid to rest with his wife.