Sgt. James Bobby Cooke, 90, of Rockingham, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 23, 1935 in Scotland County, son of the late James Isaiah Cooke and Ethel Louise Powell Cooke.
Bobby served our country in the United States Army and the Army National Guard for more than 30 years. During his military career, he earned the rank of sergeant first class. He was an avid reader of Western novels — Louis L’Amour was his favorite. He enjoyed playing golf and pool, and loved chocolate. Bobby loved animals, always providing food and shelter to lost animals in the county.
Of everything he loved throughout his life, his greatest joy was his family. He will be dearly missed by everyone who loved and knew him.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his children, Debra Tarlton, Annette Cooke, Robbie Cooke Jr., Teddy Cooke and Eddie Cooke; and sister, Peggy Jean Ward.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Judy Butler Cooke of the home; children, Sara Bennett Eaddy (Chuck) of Wetumpka, Alabama, Connie Lee Bennett Gunsley (Brian) of Purlear, Jeffrey Leon Cooke and Jason Greg Cooke (Lauren King), both of Hamlet; brother, Johnny Allen Cooke of Florida; sisters, Mary McAllister Cooke Quick and Sherry Ruth Cooke Summersett, both of Rockingham; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life graveside service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Richmond County Memorial Park, with the Rev. Wayne Moose officiating. Full military honors will be presented.
Memorials may be made to: Richmond County Animal Shelter, 529 W. US 74 Hwy., Rockingham, NC 28379.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Cooke family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
