Celebrating the Life of James Anthony Cook
December 17, 1957 – October 2, 2024

James Anthony Cook (affectionately known as Anthony) was a family man. Born in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, to Nancy May Cook—now Dunbar—and James Cook. When his father passed away,  Arthur Dunbar stepped in and helped raise Anthony since he was four years old.

Anthony brought smiles and laughter to all those around him. As a proud veteran, he served his country in the U.S. Army with honor. Following his service, he began work at Bell Atlantic as a telecommunications technician.

A true New Yorker, Anthony was passionate about his hometown teams, never missing a chance to cheer on the Knicks, the Mets, or the Giants. A history buff and political pundit, he was a Brooklyn College attendee and bible scholar, his curiosity for the past was only matched by his humor and joy for the present. He was known for his jokes, his laughter, intelligence, love of food and music—especially his singing, playing the guitar, and being a member of a gospel quartet.

Despite surviving over 30 years on kidney dialysis, Anthony lived life with unyielding strength and style. He had a hat and pair of sunglasses for every occasion, he was authentic, cool, and true to himself no matter the room. His greatest delight came from time spent with his family—especially his grandchildren, whose presence brought him immense happiness and personal delight.

Anthony is survived by his mother, Nancy Dunbar; godmother May Richardson, his children, Jasmaine, Jeannine, and Jenielle and their mother Celia; his grandchildren, Celijah, J.C, Messiah, Jenesis, Malcolm, Anais, and Epic; his siblings, David, Jamal, Jeannine, and Dorrques; his aunts, Denise, Margaret, Lucille, and Alfreda; his cousins, Kieverette, Donna, Carlton, Craig, Tresserlyn, and Joy-Teleda; and a host of other close family and friends.

He preceded in death by his father James Cook as well as Maggie and Robert Cook, Thomasina and Henry Reese, Lula Styles, Alfred and Rosie Lee, Rosa Lee Garner, Dejahnee Richardson, Dorothy Lawson, Arthur Lee Dunbar, Robert Lee Reese, Stephen Cook, and a host of close friends, acquaintances and ancestors.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at The Nest 1003 BRICK KILN BLVD, Newport News, VA.

Though James Anthony Cook has transitioned from this world, his spirit, voice, and love will forever resonate in the hearts of all blessed to know him.

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.