James Francis Cooke

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James Francis Cooke II, 94, who entered into the presence of the Lord, surrounded by family on February 17, 2025 in Granger, Indiana. 

James was born on February 9, 1931 to the late F. Sherman and Murial (Allison) Cooke in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and leaves behind a rich legacy of service, creativity and family love. 

James had a number of passions - gardening, golf, fishing, art, travel, reading, hiking and also to his community who he served throughout his life. 

 After obtaining a BS in Engineering from the prestigious Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. in 1953 he went on to serve in the United States Air Force. He was ROTC Officer, Commissioned 2nd LT. in active duty from December 1, 1953 to November 30, 1955, before continuing on in the Active Reserve in Milwaukee until 1956 and Inactive Reserve through 1960. 

 James had a strong work ethic and a commitment to honesty which led to a successful career in sales, sales management and marketing for Alis-Chalmers and Wheelabrator-Frye. He went on to purchase a small struggling stainless-steel foundry in Michigan with 8 employees. He renamed it ANCAST, and grew it to 40 employees over 25 years. 

James had a nurturing spirit and was committed to the value of education. He was an Elected School Board member in Hartland Wisconsin. After moving to Indiana he founded the Community Education Council in South Bend. 

 James had a tremendous passion for the arts and was an active Artist throughout much of his life. He created 100’s of paintings and won several awards. He was a member of the Northern Indiana Pastel Society, The St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society, The South Bend Regional Museum of Art and served on The Board of Directors for the Friends of the Snite, Snite Museum of Art, Notre Dame. 

 James was a devoted follower of Christ and dedicated many years to Evangel Heights United Methodist Church in South Bend where he was a Trustee, Lay Leader, Sunday School teacher, and Chairman of Finance and Building Development. 

 James family was the cornerstone of his life. He leaves behind his beloved daughter, Cynthia Cooke and granddaughter, Jaime (Thomas) Grainger. He is also survived by his Cherished sister, Allison Lee (Richard) Rice and son in law, Bobby Girsh; alongside three nephews and their children, all united in their admiration for a man who found beauty in every aspect of life. 

 James is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Betsy) M. Cooke; his two daughters, Deborah Cooke and Allison B. Cooke, his daughter-in-law, Karen Kane, all whose absences now become a part of his eternal story. 

 Funeral Services for James will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Evangel Heights United Methodist Church, 114 N. Ironwood Dr., South Bend, at 11 A.M. Visitation will begin 10 A.M. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, South Bend, with Military Honors. 

 In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations can be made to Evangel Heights United Methodist Church at, 114 N. Ironwood Dr., South Bend, IN 46615.

 As we remember James Francis Cooke II, we embrace his vibrant spirit, one that passionately pursued life and had an unwavering devotion to family and community. His legacy will echo in the hearts of those he loved.