James Harbin Cooke Sr.

CONCORD | James Harbin Cooke Sr., 99 of Concord, N.C., formerly of New Bern and Wilson passed away on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Pearline Civils Cooke in the year 2000 sadly on their 51st wedding anniversary, his daughter Lydia Ruth Cooke of New Bern, NC and formerly of Baltimore, MD, his 2nd wife of 18 years, Becky Bass Cooke, three brothers, William R. Cooke, Jr., Harry Miller Cooke and Joseph Eason Cooke, two sisters Sarah Cooke Tyner and Hetty Cooke Curry.

James was born on March 9th 1926 in Stantonsburg, NC to his parents William R. Cooke, Sr. and Lydia Eason Cooke. James graduated from Farmville High School and was soon drafted into the United States Army during World War II which took him to Europe for three years from 1944-1946.

James is survived by three sons, Dr. James H. Cooke, Jr. and wife Vicki of Concord, NC, Clint Cooke and wife Janet of Winterville, NC and Daniel L. Cooke and wife Felicia of New Bern, NC, one daughter, Angela Cooke Blanton and husband Michael of New Bern, NC, one step-son, Jeff Bass and wife Pam of Wilson, nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one sister Barbara Cooke Tripp of Greenville, NC and many nieces and nephews.

James was a dedicated and hardworking provider for his family and never met a stranger. He had a good sense of humor and loved a good laugh.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, October 6th at 11am at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern, NC with the reverend Randy Innes officiating. Burial will follow at New Bern Memorial Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside Pearline. The family will receive friends at Cotten Funeral Home thirty minutes prior to the service.

in lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Evansdale FWB Church, 4334 Evansdale Rd.

Wilson, NC 27893