James A Cooke II

James Alexander, lovingly referred to as Jim, was born in Jacksonville, FL at the end of November 1958 to loving parents, Violet & Reginald Cooke. He was the first of six siblings in the family as well as the only son. He was given his grandfather's name. Jim is survived by his wife, Eileen Cooke of Merritt Island, FL & four dogs, Macee, Dolly, Bentley & Oliver; his only daughter, Jamie Cooke of Cocoa, FL; his only son, James the III, of Melbourne FL, who is newly wed to his wife, Erica, on 10/31/2022; his stepchildren, Michelle McLaughlin of Pensacola, FL; Bradley McLaughlin of Rockledge, FL; his extended family, Christy & Brian Rall, of Rockledge, FL; his sister, Pamela & husband Charles Kennemore of Windsor, CA; his sister, Denise & husband Chris Olson of Jupiter, FL; his brother-in-law, Chris & wife Sherri Fogarty of Merritt Island, FL.

Jim had been blessed with grandchildren he deeply loved: Harry (8) & Madison (4), the children of son James & daughter-in-law Erica; Brooklyn (7), Nova (4) & Jeremy (1), the children of his extended family, Christy & Brian Rall.

Jim spent half of his life in Palm Beach County, FL before moving to Brevard County, FL in the early 2000s. He had attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL for mechanical engineering & made a fulfilling career as a certified arborist for 36 years, participating in many years of hurricane and storm aftermaths to provide business continuity to the community. He retired from Asplundh Tree Company as of ten years ago in 2012.

Jim & Eileen met by accident in a restaurant. Soon after, they found each other by chance again in a Home Depot & have been together ever since. They have been married for 18 years & were inseparable. Jim loved to travel & seek adventure, with the Florida Keys being their favorite place. Jim & Eileen loved to go on cruises together & explore new places. He had a large, generous heart & was a kind man. He loved all animals & was a collector of birds as well as iguanas. Jim is loved very much by his wife and family. He will be missed dearly.