James Boxley Cooke

On July 15, just two months shy of his 90th birthday, our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, James Boxley Cooke, passed away. Boxley (“Jim”, “Cookie”) loved spending time on the Chesapeake with his family and friends. Just before his final days, he spent a time-honored tradition of vacationing at his favorite place, the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Boxley lived an adventurous, accomplished, and blessed life. Born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, he attended Phillips Andover before graduating from Brown University in 1959. It was while his future wife, Jane Claire Menge, was attending Dana Hall boarding school that the two met and fell in love. Boxley and Jane were married for 63 years. Boxley’s first “real” job was with the C&P Telephone Company. While working there, he became a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the West Virginia Air National Guard, completed his Air Force pilot training, and flew with air squadrons of the West Virginia and later the Maryland National Guard. Drawn to investing, he moved to Maryland to become a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch and, in 1972, became Vice President of Marketing at T. Rowe Price. After retiring, Boxley worked as a volunteer. For Genesis Jobs, he counseled inner-city residents to become work-ready and find employment. In 1996, he joined the Silver Wings Aviationprogram for cadets at Martin State Airport, inspiring young people toward a career in aviation. He went on to lead the program for 5 years. In 2014, the State of Maryland honored him with a lifetime achievement award for his service. A man of many talents, Boxley flew his Cessna 172 around the country. He was also a talented piano player who loved jazz. He loved boating on the Chesapeake Bay in his classic 1966 Boston Whaler. He enjoyed tennis and bowling as a longtime member of L’Hirondale. In his later years, he enjoyed croquet. James Boxley Cooke was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane Claire Cooke. He’s survived by his children, Julia Cooke Guth, James Boxley Cooke, Jr., and Douglas Reid Cooke and daughter-in-law Anna Marie Dopkin. He leaves behind his grandchildren: James Boxley Cooke III, Charles Maxwell Cooke, Paula Dopkin Cooke, David Albert Guth, Dana Claire Guth, and Steven Christopher Parks. He’s also survived by great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Sarah Cooke, Melissa Grace Cooke, and Annabelle Jackie Cooke. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the family will have visitation for friends and relatives from 3 pm – 6 pm at Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home, 6500 York Rd in Towson. A service will be held Wednesday, August 12, at 11 am in the Chapel at The Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles St, Baltimore. There will be a reception following the service to celebrate Boxley’s life. Donations in his memory may be made to the Church of the Redeemer.

James Boxley Cooke

September 15, 1936 - July 15, 2026