Jeffrey Ernest

Cooke

Jeffrey Ernest Cooke, known to most as Jeff, passed away on November 2, 2026, at UF Health Shands in Gainesville, Florida, after a brief illness. He was born on September 23, 1975, in Engelwood, New Jersey, and through the years made his mark as the kind of man folks were glad to know and always happy to see coming.

Jeff graduated from Union County High School in 1996 and went on to build a long and steady working life with West Fraser Sawmill, where he worked for 27 years until the mill closed. Over those years, he held various positions, and that says a good deal about the kind of worker he was—dependable, willing, and ready to do what needed doing.

Outside of work, Jeff knew how to enjoy life in the simple, best kinds of ways. He loved fishing, and in his younger days he enjoyed hunting too. He was the sort who could find joy riding dirt roads with old country music playing, and that picture feels just about right for a man who appreciated good company, a little freedom, and the everyday blessings of life. Jeff was truly the life of the party, always ready to make people laugh. He was kind, easy to be around, and by all accounts an all-around great guy. He had a way of making a room lighter just by being in it, and that is a gift people do not soon forget.

He leaves behind a family who will miss him dearly and carry his memory forward with love. He is survived by his daughter, Hannah Cooke, and his grandson, Austin Lee Roberts, Jr. He is also survived by his mother, Kristine Morton; his sister, Leslie Snyder and her husband, Greg Snyder; and his brothers James Cooke and his wife Susan and Jon Cooke and his wife, Julie Powell, along with 6 nephews, Josh, Gator, Tyler, Dane, Gage, and Jordan.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, James Cooke.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on November 16, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 in the evening at Archer-Milton Funeral Home in Lake Butler.

Jeff will be remembered for his laughter, his warm heart, his love of old country music and backroad rides, and the easy way he made life a little more fun for the people around him. He was one of those folks who left a lasting impression, and he will be deeply missed.