Philip Myers Cooke

When Phil was seven years old, his family moved to Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Ortega Elementary and met a great group of friends he’s known his whole life. They were nicknamed the “Tubbies.” This close group always had loads of fun together. In particular fishing and hunting were their favorite pastimes. Phil graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1958. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and then later graduated from Florida State University in 1963.

Phil attended Officer Candidate School at Naval Station Newport, RI after college, later he entered the reserves, and earned the rank of Lieutenant. He returned to Jacksonville in 1967 where he married the love of his life, Helen Bruce. Helen and Phil settled down in Ortega Forest and had two children, Allison and Bruce. His Navy experience led to a career as an estimator for Jacksonville Shipyards, then later his own estimating business, a job with Huckins Yacht and manager at Ortega River Boat Yard. His reluctant retirement allowed for more time working on his projects at his cherished lake house.

In the early 70s, Phil and Helen bought lakefront property with Bob Dickson (a Tubby), near Melrose, Florida. He and Helen built their dream house where family and friends would gather for special occasions and the holidays. The Tubbies would meet annually at the lake to hunt and fish. Phil really loved working outdoors. He became a member of the Longleaf Alliance where he managed his longleaf pine forest on his lake property. The lakehouse became known as “Camp Phil” and Boy Scout Troop 2 camps there often.

Bruce and Phil joined Troop 2 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in 1984. Phil loved Scouting. He was the Troop 2 Assistant Scoutmaster for two years with James Calhoun. Then Phil became the Scoutmaster in December, 1986. He dedicated many years to scouting, made many lifelong friends in Troop 2 and had a loyal group of scouting parents. Phil was proud to be a member of Troop 2 and all his scouts, including the ones that made Eagle.

Phil was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and younger sister, Cathy Cooke. He is survived by his children Allison and Bruce, his grandchildren Mina and James, and his younger brother Bob Cooke.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life in honor of Phil on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 4275 Herschel St. Jacksonville, FL, 32210. There will be a reception immediately following in the church’s main hall, where your best Phil stories can be shared.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the North Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America or The Longleaf Alliance.