James L. Cocke III

COCKE, James L. III - Age 73, of Swartz Creek, went home to be with the Lord on October 30, 2005 at his home after a year long illness. Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, Pastor Jim Nelson officiating. Interment in Maple Cemetery. Visitation will be held 7-9 PM Monday, 2-5 and 7-9 PM Tuesday. Those desiring may make contributions to the American Cancer Society. James was born May 8, 1932 in Detroit the son of James L. Cocke Jr. and Margie Louise (Shinabarger) Cocke. He was a 1950 graduate of Bendle High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Korea from 1953-1955. He married Donna Kile on May 3, 1952 and she preceded him in death November 26, 1992. He married Merry Broom on November 28, 1998.  He resided in Swartz Creek for the past 7 years coming from Flint Township. He retired from Consumers Energy with over 40 years of service and was a member of the A.F.L. C.I.O. # 119 Utility Workers of America. He was a life member of the Swartz Creek Lodge # 458 F.&A.M., American Legion Post 294, and Linden V.F.W. Post 4642. Mr. Cocke had been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) and had attended Lincoln Park Baptist Church of Flint and the First Baptist Church of Swartz Creek. He was an avid outdoorsman, Detroit Lions fan, and Detroit Tigers fan. Surviving are: wife Merry; children, Stacy and husband Mark Wells of Saginaw, James L. Cocke IV and wife Beverly of Flushing, Douglas Broom and wife Teresa of Flushing, Deborah and husband David Kittell of TN, Dorinda Broom of Flint, David Broom of Co; grandchildren, Chris and wife Alisha, Jessica and husband Jeff, Emily, Elizabeth, James L. V, Ryan, Sean, Merry Beth, Megan and husband Steve, Justin, and Garrett; great-granddaughters, Katrina and Lily Grace; brothers, Duane, Don, Jerry and wife Sue; sister Janice and husband Don Lemonds; several special nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Donna; and grandson, Bradley Allen in 1992. Mr. Cocke's family extends a special thanks to the staff of Genesys-Hurley Hematology and Oncology; 11th floor McLaren oncology nurses; and Connie and Jaina from hospice. Friends may share a tribute or send condolences at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.