James cooke

JAMES EDWARD COOKE SR, “JIM”

June 6, 1959- October 22, 2020



James Edward Cooke Sr, “Jim”, passed on Thursday, October 22, 2020 where he resided in Bakersfield, California. After a difficult 5-week fight for his life, Jim succumbed from his injuries from a motorcycle crash, at 61 years of age.

Jim was born on June 6, 1959 in Salinas, California to Leo James Cooke and Ruby Maria Muther. They raised on Adams Street where he met his lifelong friend, Tom Piini and they attended Santa Lucia School in 64’, which became Henry F. Kammann around 67’, Washington Jr High from 71’ to 73’, and then graduated North Salinas High School as Class of 1977.

Upon graduating, Jim worked as a Police Reserve and became a Police Officer for the City of Gonzales from 1978 to 1984. Jim married his first wife, Donna West in June of 1978 and divorced in 1988. They had 3 children together. Jim eventually became a truck driver after moving to Bakersfield, California to be closer to his children. It was there where he worked for Lonestar Trucking/Plains and United Pacific Energy for a combined 25 years.

To us all, he was known as our, “Human Atlas!” Jim knew every road in the state of California and could give his family detour directions around any traffic or accident. He was also our, “Rodeo Champion.” He placed 2nd Place in the 2002 California State Trucking Association Rodeo.

He was a simple man. He was a devoted Christian and loved the Lord, He loved watching Nascar in his recliner, 49ers, and Notre Dame games, drinking Pepsi, and his dogs, but most of all he loved his family! He was a devoted father and Husband.

He met Karen Herron in 2003 and was married in May of 2004. They shared 5 children together and 16 years of marriage together.

Jim was survived by his children James Cooke Jr, “Jimi”, Jami Matteucci (Jeremy Matteucci), Kimberly Hazel (Allan Hazel), Anthony Herron (Miranda Barnett), Traci Starnes (Chad Starnes) and grandchildren Jesi Matteucci, Mathew Herron, Kayleeann Starnes, and Barrett Hazel. His sisters Janet Marie Cooke, Judith Lynn Johnston (Brian Johnston), Cynthia Ann Norris (Mark Norris) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Karen Cooke. Parents, Leo James Cooke, Roy and Ruby Maria Spomer. Our hearts will be forever broken and together they will be missed tremendously.

Viewing will be held 6 pm to 8 pm Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Kern Family Mortuary, 1900 N. Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, Ca, 93308. Services will be held on November 12, 2020 at 10am at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, Ca, 93306.