Michael James Booker, Jr.
March 14, 2022
Michael James Booker, Jr., age 43, passed away Monday, March 14, 2022 at his home in Des Moines.
Michael was born to Joyce Cooper and Michael James Booker, Sr. at Des Moines General Hospital on Friday, August 25, 1978 at 3:30 p.m. He graduated from Valley High School in 1997. He went on to earn his Associates Degree immediately after high school in Business. He worked for Wells Fargo as Customer Service Representative III for seven years and found that he enjoyed working from home.
“Little Michael”, as his friends and family referred to him, was an avid sports fan. He especially loved supporting the Barnstormers, Iowa State Cyclones, 49ers, Bulls, Red Sox, and Braves. He had varied interests that included watching WWE Wrestling and traveling with his cousin and best friend Rob to WWE shows in Arizona and Chicago. He also enjoyed watching the Ninja Turtles, the classic show Nightrider (the car Kitt), and was proud to be a “Trekkie”.
He is survived by his father, Michael James Booker, Sr.; mother, Joyce Cooper; grandmother, Betty Shepherd; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.
Michael was preceded in death by his GRANDMOTHER, Helen G. Heath; grandfather, Ralph Booker; uncles, Ralph Mark, Jr. and George A. Booker; and his aunt, Velma (Jeannie) Price.
Services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery after the funeral.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Caleb Dennison
04/02/2022
I was a dorky kid in a new city, new family, new school, and Booker was the one who really reached out and made me feel like family. From the first day I met him I was his little cousin. Hed spend hours hanging out, playing videos games with me, when my parents had him watch me and my sister as kids. Ive mostly grown apart from the people I grew up around in Des Moines. But Booker was the one who would still reach out, the one who made an effort to stay in contact. Peace out cuz, youll be greatly missed.
Tom Paulson
03/27/2022
Booker was paired with me through a mentor program at work. We immediately hit it off through our common fandom, from gaming to movies, star trek to attitude era professional wrestling. He was one of the most passionate fans for his interests I've met, and that passion seemed to carry into everything he did at work as well. He's also my only friend on PSN with more stars than me, much respect. I'll miss his check-ins when a new game dropped or a new film hit theaters, his candor and directness, his authenticity shined through in all the interactions I had with him.
Stacy Baker @ TNC
03/26/2022
Ms. BJ,
I am praying God will wrap you in His loving arms during this time of loss.
Faith M.B. Church
03/25/2022
Saturday, March 22, 2022
To the Family of Michael C. Booker Jr.:
The official staff and members of Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Des Moines submits these words of condolence. A condolence is meant to be an expression of sympathy when your friend experiences the loss of a loved one. However, it seems as if this is the most difficult time to find just the right words to say.
Yet, we offer prayers of faith confirming that in the midst of your sorrow, you know the God of all our comfort. We believe that you understand that weeping may endure in the nights ahead, but there will be some days of joy coming again. And that ultimately, the dead in Christ shall rise first, and you who remain will be caught up to meet Him in the air. There will be a reunion with your loved one Michael.
We are praying for your strength. We believe in your report. We have heard your testimony. We trust that you will receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit; as Gods power guides you through your sorrow.
Humbly Submitted by Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Des Moines, Iowa
Deacon Arnold A. Woods, Chair of the Deacons Ministry
Sis. Ebonee G. Woods, Assistant Church Clerk
Kendra Musgrave - TNC Community
03/23/2022
BJ it is so clear the adoration you have for your son. We will continue to celebrate good memories with you, and lift you up in your grief. Sending you and everyone prayers for comfort and peace.
Erica Williamson @ TNC
03/23/2022
Ms. BJ I am so very sorry for you loss. I cant even imagine what you are going through but im praying for strength for you and the family.
Danita Minter
03/21/2022
condolence my heart aces for him and his family, we worked together on the same team for years he will be missed
Andrew
03/21/2022
I met booker several years ago working at Wells and he was a great person. Always cracking a joke. One of the most genuine people I met. If you were having a bad day he would be there to give you support. We stayed in contact even after I left and talked about Trek and podcast ideas. I'll miss him.
Abbie Campbell
03/19/2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. I used to spend a lot of time with Booker and he was such a joy to be around. We used to go to Rocky Horror and sing karaoke together with our friends. I hope you find comfort in the memories of what a great guy he was.
David Larson
03/19/2022
Condolences from myself and my wife Laura. We met Mike just by luck at a Barnstormers game a few years ago. Got to be friends and looked forward to seeing Mike and Rob there. I send deepest sympathy to Mikes family and his friends. Sincerely, David &Laura Larson.
Rob
03/19/2022
Mike,
The sadness in my heart cant be put into words. Youre not just my cousin. Youre my friend. Youre my little brother. We bonded over a love of movies and wrestling. Wed have long conversations about both. We disagreed often but always had a mutual respect for each others opinion. No disagreement could ever break that bond. Knowing that well never have those conversations again is a painful reality I now have to face. Somehow I will. I know its what you would want. Thats the kind of man you are, selfless and caring. So, how do I say goodbye? Ill say it the way we always do when we end a conversation. Ill say late because I know I will see you later. Until then, Rest In Eternal Peace. I love you, little brother.
Jennifer Adams
03/19/2022
Booker was a great guy. Always a good person to talk to. I can't believe he's gone. He will be sorely missed.
Shelly
03/18/2022
Booker was one of kind. He was unique, courageous, genuine and accountable. My thoughts and prayers go out for the family.
Kirsten
03/18/2022
So I never got the chance to meet Booker, and that will always be a hard thing. The way Theresa talked about this man I wanted to meet him. Just so I could say I know him because she held him so close and dear to her heart. Such a genuine heart of gold. You were loved Booker, even by a stranger who never got the chance to say hello. For the special place you held in my best friends heart. Condolences to everyone in his life who is feeling this loss. I have you all in my thoughts and hopes. Sincerely.
Theresa
03/18/2022
This is a loss that I cannot place into words or thoughts that makes much sense. I loved him dearly and he held a place in my life that can never been filled, his absence is profound and I am at a complete loss. Booker was genuine and one of the most sincere people that I have ever known, or will. He was generous with his time, he cared deeply and if you needed him, he was there. My heart goes out to his family and others he impacted, he will be sorely missed. I would have had the pleasure of having him in my life 17 years this summer, I can hardly comprehend this new void. My condolences and thoughts to his family.