James Paul Cooke

James Paul Cooke passed away March 4, 2023 at home in Cary, NC, surrounded by his family, after a long illness. He was 87. Born in Shorewood, WI, James moved to Fanwood, NJ, at the age of six. He attended Marquette University, Seton Hall University and graduated from RCA Institute in New York, NY. He worked for nearly 30 years as an engineer for Lockheed Electronics in Watchung, NJ, and then for Allied Signal, Teterboro, NJ.

Throughout his lifetime, James was a continuous learner with a particular interest in electronics, gardening, cooking and contemporary folk music. In his younger years, he enjoyed family vacations at the Jersey shore, fishing with his children and participating with his sons on their Boy Scout adventures.

He was an active member of St. Bernard’s parish in Plainfield, NJ, where he served on the parish council and contributed his time and talent to the grammar school there. Since retiring to Cary, NC, in 1996, he was a member of St. Michael the Archangel parish.

James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Catherine Sheelen Cooke. Children Susan Cooke Wilkinson (Chris), Hyattsville, MD, Barbara Cooke Kollmorgen (Nazareth, PA), Dr. Thomas Cooke (Monica) Raleigh, NC, Peter Cooke (Karey) Shrewsbury, MA. Grandchildren Kathryn Kollmorgen, Ryan Kollmorgen (Jamie Strohecker), Dr. Caitlin Wilkinson (Anthony Santonastaso), Connor Wilkinson, Esq., (fiancée Courtney Carlson), Stephanie Stanton (Brian), Melissa Cooke, Madeline Cooke (Silvana Lázaro Rosales), Jacob Cooke, and Samuel Cooke. Great grandchildren Natalie Stanton and Philip Santonastaso. Sister Jane K. Cooke (Miami, FL), sister-in-law Anne Sheelen Gerwig (Whispering Pines, NC). Predeceased by his parents Paul and Gladys Brenzel Cooke and son-in-law Dale Kollmorgen.

Visitation will be Tuesday at 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Michael the Archangel RC Church, 804 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513. Internment Wake Memorial Park, Cary, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James Cooke to Catholic Parish Outreach, 2013 N Raleigh Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604, or Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.