A Celebration of Life service for James William “Billie” Cooke, 93, of Virginia Beach, was held at noon Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. He died Oct. 28, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Frances and Robert Lee Cooke, and his siblings, Herman Cooke and DeSylvia Cooke Jones.

Mr. Cooke graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk. He majored in Business at North Carolina A&T (Agricultural Institute) University and graduated from Virginia State (Institute) University. He served his country in the United States Army for a number of years in various assignments. Upon completion of his military service, he was manager with the Norfolk Department of Redevelopment and Housing, retiring from the position.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janie Goodman Cooke.

The service was conducted by the Rev. Joseph N. Green Jr. Inurnment followed in Rosewell Memorial Garden, Ordinary.