James Elton Luke, age 71, more affectionately known by all as "Jim/Jimmy" Luke, departed this life very peacefully on Sunday October 20, 2024 at 12:45 pm at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital in Akron, Ohio. Jimmy was surrounded by his loving family including his faithful wife, Louise Arlene Luke; his daughter, Melinda M. Glenn; his brother, Dr. William Wallace Luke; nephews, William W. Luke II (Billy) and Erick C. Luke; and grandson, Jeremiah C. Glenn. Jimmy was born on June 23, 1953 in Massillon, Ohio to Wilmer W. Luke and Mary Louise Luke. He was educated in the Canton City School System where he attended Hartford Elementary School and was a 1972 graduate of Canton McKinley High School. Jimmy excelled as an outstanding member of the Canton McKinley Bulldogs basketball team. His position as a "forward" on the team caused him to shine ever so brightly as he scored an average of at least 20 points per game. Growing up Jimmy was very popular in Canton and was a part of a group known as the "Northeast Steppers". His good friends and other members of the group include Preston Young, Frank McLeod, Lance Lancaster, Pastor Howard Robinson, and deceased members Dean Hooten, Jerry Adkins, Wilbur Henderson, and Steve Turner. Jimmy accepted Christ at a very early age and was baptized. He was reared in a Christian home by a devout Christian mother, so Jimmy knew the Lord and was in Church every Sunday. Growing up he faithfully attended church at the Eastside Baptist Church in Canton, Ohio under the pastorate of Rev. Nobel Jenkins, Rev. Charles Reynolds Sr., Rev. James Henderson and Rev. Prince Dickens. Later in life Jimmy became a member of Greater Peace Church of Deliverance under the pastorate of his brother Dr. William Wallace Luke. Jimmy loved to sing in Church and was noted for his very smooth singing voice. He would shake the house when he sang in the choir and led his signature song "I'll Trade A Lifetime". Jimmy's first job after graduating high school was with the Canton City Waterworks Department. He later became employed by the Beaver Excavating Company for 27 years, where he worked as a truck driver and a heavy equipment machine operator. He retired from the company in 2022. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents Wilmer W. and Mary Louise Luke; an infant brother, Jerome Burton Luke; and a close childhood friend, Roger Croston. He leaves to cherish all of the precious moments: his loving and faithful wife of 24 years, Louise Arlene Luke; his only child, daughter Melinda M. Glenn (Randall); his brother Dr. William Wallace Luke (Rhoda); his grandchildren, D'Nyce C.L. Johnson (Essence Stokes), Tyler James Johnson (Kelsie Thorn), Jeremiah C. Glenn; his brothers and sisters in love – "The New York Family Connection": Shirley Kendall (James Wood), Emma "Bunny" Jones (Ernest), Preston Kendall (Shelia), Anthony Kendall, Melvin Kendall (Kathy), Wayne Kendall (Rita), and Raymond Kendall (Shimiki); his nephews, William "Billy" Luke (Ida), Erick C. Luke, Min. Darrell R. Hill (Sharon); and a host of cousins, great- nephews, nieces and friends. Jimmy has returned to his final home. He will truly be missed; however he will never be forgotten. His smile, his ability to make everyone around him laugh, along with his signature hat wearing style will never be forgotten and will always be remembered in our hearts.