Alexander Hamilton Cooke
May 17, 2026
DAVIDSON – Alexander Hamilton (Ham) Cooke, 85, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Born on January 25, 1941, in Louisville, KY he was the second of three sons of Henry Thurston and Elizabeth Hamilton Davis Cooke. Ham graduated from Eastern High School in Louisville and went on to attend and graduate from Davidson College in 1963. After serving in the United States Army, Ham went to Vanderbilt University School of Law and graduated in 1968.
Ham was married to Eugenia (Genie) Ray Watson Cooke for 51 years until her death in 2015. They lived in Jacksonville, FL where Ham practiced law and Genie taught French.
Ham was an active member and Elder at Riverside Presbyterian Church where he also sang in the choir. He was active in the Jacksonville community, serving as President of the Jacksonville Bar Association, working on the Community Relations Commission, and volunteering his time with local civil and human rights organizations. He was often seen in his neighborhood carrying plastic bags filled with recyclables that he collected on his daily walks.
In 2007, Ham received the Florida Bar Foundation’s Medal of Honor, the highest award that can be bestowed upon an individual by Florida’s legal profession. He was honored for his many contributions to providing access to justice for those living in poverty, including his significant work with Jacksonville’s Habitat for Humanity affiliate, HabiJax.
Ham loved to travel, whether on the “blue highways” of this country or in any other country he could get to. His book collection turned their home into a small library and was a reflection of his insatiable curiosity about the world and other people. He never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to ask a question. Ham will be remembered for his huge heart and easy laugh, his steadfast integrity, and his passion for justice.
Ham is survived by his son, Henry Thurston Cooke II and his wife, Carla Naegele Cooke; his daughter, Katherine Cooke Kerr and her husband, William Ralph Kerr; grandchildren, Christopher Davis Cooke and his wife, Lacey Shaffer Cooke, Anne Hamilton Cooke, and Caroline Anderson Kerr; sister-in-law, Martha Neal Nuckolls Cooke; brother-in-law, Nat Erskine Watson, Jr.; eight nieces; one nephew and a whole lot of great-nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ham is predeceased by his brothers, Donald Davis Cooke and Graham Brown Cooke; sisters-in-law, Carol Watson Croft and Sara Swann McLaughlin Watson and brother-in-law, Timothy Lent Croft.
The family extends its gratitude to the staff and residents of The Pines at Davidson for their care and support over the past six years.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following ther service at the church. The service will be livestreamed through the church website at www.covenantpresby.org/live for those unable to attend in person.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered in memory of Ham to The Davidson Trust, Davidson College, PO Box 5000, Davidson, NC 28035 or First Coast Habitat for Humanity (formerly HabiJax), 40 East Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 or to the nonprofit of your choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com
Comments
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Ham was one of the most consequential men in my life. From the time my family moved to Jacksonville in 1972, Ham and Genie were some of my family’s closest friends. They always treated me with kindness, caring and love, as if I was the older brother to Thurston and Kathryn.
Ham was a powerful mentor over many years and provided wonderful estate counseling to my parents as well. After they passed away he guided me through a settlement process that took several years of work to resolve. He was a great friend!
Ham spoke at my Mother’s funeral and attended my Dad’s in Tampa.
I have always had the highest regard and respect for Ham (and Genie), and he was involved in many of the most significant events in my life. I thank God for his life and for the many blessings that I have known through his efforts and caring.
I pray for Thurston and Kathryn and their families during this difficult time.
Love,
John Wells
Tampa, FL -
Though I hadn't spent any time around Ham in about 40 years since I was a teenager, I will never forget that huge, mischievous, and infectious laugh, kind spirit, and beautiful, booming baritone singing voice. He was like a character out of a John Grisham novel - only real. They don't make 'em like Ham much anymore - definitely a one of a kind.
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Ham Cooke and I first connected in 1969 .He was a newly minted lawyer at a prestigious downtown Jacksonville law firm . I was a former Marine Captain who had talked 5 Navy fighter pilots into investing in a restaurant venture . We needed a corporation and Ham was delegated to assist me . That was the beginning of a 57 year friendship . He always claimed I was his first and favorite client . Who was I to dispute that ? If there were a finer gentleman than Ham Cooke on this planet , I would be delighted to meet him .. over the years he guided me through some misadventures . I always listened to his counsel , and regretted it when I didn’t !
We shared a love of books , bragged about our children , argued about politics , and laughed a lot . I loved him like a brother .So happy I visited him in Davidson a few months ago . I believe God needed an honest lawyer in heaven . Ham Cooke was an easy choice .
I would say that if there were a finer gentleman than Ham Cooke , I sure would like to shake his hand !
Ham guided me through all my misadventures . I always listened to his counsel , and mostly acted on it . He was a trusted and valued friend , and as the years passed , that only became truer . We shared a love of books , bragged about our children , and laughed a great deal .
I loved the man and will miss him terribly . I firmly believe God needed an honest lawyer and Ham was the obvious choice . Godspeed , my friend . -
On behalf of the Jacksonville Bar Association, we extend our deepest condolences to the Cooke family. Ham’s legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to expanding access to justice will continue to inspire our legal community for generations to come. He will be remembered not only for his professional contributions, but for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others. Rest in peace.
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I will always remember his visit here with Mom when he found out she was his relative in same neighborhood as Carla's parents. He went by my house many times never knowing she was here living with me from Kentucky. His Dad Thurston and my Grandfather Charlie Cook were brothers. He questioned my Mom while she was in hospice here and they learned so much from each other that day. I am so sorry about the loss. He was such a successful and wonderful man. Well done thy good and faithful servant
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Dear Hambone, my birthday twin. We have some wonderful memories from EHS. You’ve had a rich, beautiful life. I am blessed to have been a part of it.
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My contact with Ham stems from teaching both Thurston and Katherine and then teaching with Genie. The real fun was the parties... especially the faculty Christmas parties hosted atvthe Cooke house. No one could be near Ham or Genie without loving them.
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My dear Uncle Ham embodied Christ energy: love, grace, curiosity, compassion. His hugs always left the hug-ee feeling loved, seen, heard and safe. I know that feeling very well! Uncle Ham spread an abundance of Light, and leaves a Legacy of Light within the myriad of human souls he touched and taught. Thank you Uncle Ham, for your life, your love, and your laugh. ❤️
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