James A. Cooke

James A. Cooke

November 17, 1951 – June 7, 2024

James A. ("Jim") Cooke died at his home in Niwot, Colorado, on June 7, 2024 as the result of complications of Type 1 diabetes.

It is impossible to fully capture a life in a few paragraphs but certain things were essentially and authentically Jim and will be mourned and missed by all. Jim lived life exuberantly, always willing to open his heart, home and office to friends and those in need. Whether tending his garden, cooking for friends and family, skiing, listening to live music, or whole-heartedly loving his family – you knew when Jim was in the room.

Jim was born on November 17, 1951. He grew up in Michigan and Ohio. He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, then earned an MSW from the University of Denver and a law degree from Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C.

After law school Jim worked in Boulder practicing primarily family and real estate law. He truly sought to be a "counselor at law." A client described him as one of the most ethical and kind people she had ever met.

In February 1986, Jim met his wife Linda on a ski trip to Telluride. They were married on May 28, 1989, at Chautauqua, and became the parents of Mackenzie and Allen.

Jim and Linda entertained hundreds of people at "The Cooke House" on Oxford Road. His close friends enjoyed New Year's Eve parties featuring lobster for adults and pizzas from their wood-burning oven for the kids. Easter brunches were legendary. His motto was, "We aim to please at the Cooke House."

Jim was an avid birder and could identify a multitude of birds. He loved music of all types and regularly attended RockyGrass. Gardening was his passion and he grew amazing vegetables year after year.

Jim was on the Board for Charities Within Reach, a local organization which established an orphanage in Thailand and now provides secondary education for those children. After moving to Niwot three years ago, he became an active participant in the Niwot Community Connection and many of its sub-groups.

Jim was proud of Linda's long, successful tenure as the Boulder Municipal Court Presiding Judge. He helped nurture his daughter Mackenzie into a strong and independent woman, attending many swim meets as he did so. Jim loved watching Allen become a professional level dobro player and member of several bands.

Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda Perkins Cooke, his daughter Mackenzie Cooke Becky (Dalton) of Austin, Texas, his son Allen Cooke (Amelia) of Nashville, Tennessee, his grandchildren Charlize and Wells Becky, his siblings Carol Esplin (Bob), Bobby Cooke (Lyn) and Laurie Seltenright (Tom), and numerous nieces/nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert F. Cooke, MD, and Marjorie Engberg Cooke.

The family will hold a private celebration of Jim's life. They request no flowers. Gifts in Jim's honor may be made by check to Charities Within Reach , c/o Jackie Osborn, 8100 Dry Creek Circle, Niwot CO 80503, or to JDRF, the leading global Type 1 Diabetes charity at https://donate.jdrf.org.uk/.