James Ronald Crooke “Jim” “Ronnie,” 78 of Raleigh, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC.

Jim was born in Hamlet, NC on October 30, 1947, alongside his twin brother Wriston Donald Crooke, and was the son of the late James Wriston and Lora Mae Crooke.

Jim grew up in Hamlet, NC and was a proud alumni of East Carolina University graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Jim served four years of active duty in the United States Army, followed by thirty-three years as a reservist in the North Carolina Army National Guard. He held a long business career with the State of North Carolina. He called Raleigh, NC home for over fifty years and enjoyed his adult life there alongside his family and friends. He was a family man, devoted fan of the ECU Pirates and loving father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Crooke of Raleigh, NC; his two children Jennifer Crooke Allen (husband Brian), and Michael Crooke (wife Mara), all of Raleigh, NC; his twin brother Wriston Donald Crooke (wife Pamela) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and sister Kathryn Crooke Norman (husband Tim) of Manakin-Sabot, VA; and four grandchildren Braxton Allen, Hudson Allen, Miller Crooke and Cooper “Cece” Crooke.

A graveside service and burial for family and friends will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Beaver Hill Cemetery in Edenton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The North Carolina Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund (SAAF-NC) at The NC National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund, Inc. 7410 Chapel Hill Road Raleigh, NC 27607, https://saaf-nc.com/

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 725 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the Crooke family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com