Jonathan Southworth "Jon" Cooke

Jonathan Southworth "Jon" Cooke, 70, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, after a battle with bone cancer at Baptist Health Louisville. Born and raised in Louisville, Jon spent his life investing in the city he loved.
He was the proud son of Jim and Thelma Cooke (both deceased) and a key part of the family's long-standing business, Jim Cooke Buick, founded by his father. He worked at the dealership for many years in downtown Louisville, helping carry forward its legacy of integrity and hometown service.
Jon attended Louisville Country Day and was a graduate of Ballard High School before he earned his degree from the University of Louisville, where his loyalty to the Cardinals began and never wavered. A die-hard UofL fan, he rarely missed a football or basketball game-season tickets were a permanent fixture in his life.
He was equally passionate about horse racing, attending more than 50 Kentucky Derbies at Churchill Downs and making regular trips to Keeneland. Although his illness kept him from the 2025 Derby in person, he still placed his bets from home and cheered with the same intensity.
Jon's love of speed extended to motorcycles. In his youth, he raced motocross competitively and proudly collected numerous trophies. That thrill for the ride stayed with him, and in later years, he often rode with friends to Captain's Quarters on Sundays or took part in Two Stroke Tuesday meet-ups around town.
Wherever he went, Jon was known for his unique sense of humor, legendary practical jokes, and determination to "make the rounds" at every local event-antique shows, garden shows, concerts, festivals, or neighborhood gatherings-he rarely missed an opportunity to connect with people and enjoy life's moments.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Diane Cooke; daughter Carrie Cooke Ketterman (Jeff Ketterman); stepson Josh Bridgwater; siblings Jackie Cooke and Jeff Cooke (Kerry Demuth); and a wide circle of extended family and lifelong friends who will forever miss his warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit.
Visitation will be held at Pearson's 149 Breckenridge Lane Sunday, July 6th from 1pm-5pm and Monday July 7th 10am -12pm with the service to follow at noon. Burial will be at Cave Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jon's honor to the University of Louisville Athletic Fund or to 502Circle, a collective supporting UofL student-athletes. 502 Circle 15 West Chestnut Street Jeffersonville, IN 47130.
Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's, "Where Louisville Goes to Remember" To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jonathan, please visit our floral store.