James Melvin "JC" Cook

To view the service via YouTube please use the link below: https://www.youtube.com/live/dOvSZc5YArk?si=QjeABPRxBoH1--1t To view the service via Facebook please use the link below: https://www.facebook.com/ZandersFuneralLIVE/ James Melvin Cooks, affectionately known as “JC”, was born January 22, 1946 in Opelika, Alabama, to parents James David Cooks and Ethel Bridges Cooks. JC attended primary school at Sanford Elementary in Opelika, Alabama. After moving to Florida with his family, JC attended Phyllis Wheatley Junior and High School. After graduating high school, JC attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While there, he became known as “Apopka Red” and gained new friends, who would remain his life-long friends until the end. In 1969, JC was drafted into the United States Army. Being his mother’s sole surviving son, army officials did not deploy JC to Vietnam, but rather he served as a military police until being honorably discharged from the Army. After returning home to civilian life, JC furthered his education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During his later years in New York, he was employed at Holy Cross Facility and Anderson School for disturbed and delinquent youth. JC received promotions to Supervisor while at both jobs due to his great job performance. Later, JC became employed with the state of New York at the Psychiatric Center until the facility’s closure. Prior to his passing, he worked as a school bus driver for the school system. JC loved and enjoyed the students and the students respected him and cared for their “Mr. Cooks”. On January 24, 2003, JC married the joy of his life, Lavetta Cooks in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he served as a Trustee. JC was a true lover of all sports, especially football and basketball. In his younger years, he was an amazing athlete who excelled at both football and basketball. He was known for having the best jump shot. He enjoyed playing the games in his younger days, and as he got older, he enjoyed watching them. JC also loved fishing and the peace he experienced being near the water. James was preceded in death by his Father, James D. Cooks; Mother, Ethel Bridges Cooks; Brother, Dennis Cooks; Sisters: Pauline Webb, Lennell Shaw, and Deborah Fay Cooks. Left to cherish his precious memories…Son, Eural Pryor of Apopka, FL; Bonus Daughter, Ashley D. Williams of Poughkeepsie, NY; Siblings: Ethel Jean Tarver of Apopka, FL and Allean Burrell of Orlando, FL; Granddaughter, Eurlicia Pryor of Apopka, FL; Goddaughter, Jamie A. Moore of NY; Aunt, Mary Bridges of Apopka, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, the guys on the 5th floor at FAMU, and many, many friends from Apopka.

Tributes

James Melvin "JC" Cook

January 22, 1946 - April 3, 2024