Longtime Daisey Hill Farm operator James “Jimmy” Cookingham dies at 51

MILLERTON — For years, James “Jimmy” Cookingham was a familiar figure at Daisey Hill Farm, where he worked the fields and assisted customers during the growing season. He died Jan. 19 at his home in Millerton at age 51.

Born in Sharon, Cookingham remained closely tied to the region throughout his life. He was drawn to farming at a young age and eventually became a central figure at Daisey Hill, which he operated with his wife, Jessica, for several years.

The farm, which closed at the end of 2024 due to financial hardship, was known for its pumpkins, sweet corn and flowers, and served as a seasonal gathering point during the fall. Many customers returned year after year, and over time the operation developed a loyal following.

Dana Scarpa, owner of Designer Finds on Main Street in Millerton and co-chair of the Millerton Business Alliance, said the farm stood out for both its affordability and the quality of what it offered. Speaking earlier this month, she said, “When you would go there, you’d know five other families — everyone knew everyone, and it brought people together across state lines.”

Cathy Fenn, co-founder of the volunteer-led Townscape organization, said she regularly purchased flowers from the farm and admired the way the Cookingham family ran the operation. “They were diligent, honest and always on time,” she said earlier this month. “And they grew the flowers themselves — they did a great job.”

Away from the fields, Cookingham was known as an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding four-wheelers.

The farm itself, however, faced growing challenges in its final years, as financial pressures mounted and uncertainty grew around the property’s future. Although Cookingham and his wife operated Daisey Hill Farm, they did not own the land.

In January 2024, as losses accumulated and before the farm’s lease was formally nonrenewed, Cookingham’s daughter Hailey launched a GoFundMe campaign in an effort to keep the business operating. The fundraiser raised just over $20,000 from approximately 175 donors.

Later in 2024, the family was notified that the lease would not be renewed, setting in motion a wind-down period that ultimately led to the farm’s closure.

In the months following the farm’s closure, a dispute related to the property became the subject of a criminal complaint. In December 2025, Cookingham was arrested on grand and petit larceny charges in connection with the alleged removal and sale of farm equipment belonging to the property owner. He was scheduled to appear in North East Town Court at the time of his death.

Additional reporting provided by Millerton News Staff.