James H. Tooke

A Memorial Service will be held for James Harold Tooke on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 9024 W. Metairie Avenue, Metairie, LA. James was born December 29, 1932 to the marital union of Virgie Chloe Corley Tooke and Henry Seward Tooke in Ringgold, LA. James is survived by the love of his life, Mary Lane Shamburger Tooke of Kenner, LA; their daughter Deborah Lane Tooke Arceneaux and her husband Glenn, of Metairie, LA; one son, Mark Henry Tooke and his wife Pamela and his only sister, Janet Tooke Hobbs of Calhoun, LA. James was stationed at the U.S. Army Base in Yuma, AZ where their daughter Debbie was born. He graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (Louisiana Tech.) in 1957 with degrees in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying. The Tookes moved to Jena, LA in 1960. There they set up their small business, Tooke Land Surveying, which they owned and operated until 2002. James was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1961 and served as a congregation elder in the Jena, the Olla and the Central Kenner Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was known for being a true Southern gentleman, respecting everyone, whatever their station in society, being generous to a fault and having a green thumb. He is known by his five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren as “Papa” and his nieces and nephews fondly call him “Unka James”. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by a multitude of friends and family. Should you wish to do something in memory of James, either flowers or a donation to Watchtower, 900 Red Mills Rd., Wallkill, NY, 12589 would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to NEPTUNE SOCIETY NEW ORLEANS, 3801 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70065. 504-464-3095.