Jack Perry Cooper went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 12, 2018 with his family by his side.
Jack was born October 2, 1921 at home near Brainerd, Minnesota to Perry and Hattie Cooper. This date is debatable because he was born at midnight. His mother said his birthday was October 3rd but the doctor said it was October 2nd. He celebrated his birthday on the 3rd for 85 years before switching it to the official date of the 2nd.
Jack was raised during the Great Depression and worked in many jobs growing up but his true passion was punching cows. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army and spent three years in the South Pacific with the 89th Field Artillery Battalion, participating in the World War II campaign at Guadalcanal. He was humble and proud of his military service. Every morning he listened to the National Anthem with his hand over his heart.
Jack wed Dorothy Jean Jensen on December 20, 1948. They had 11 children. They lived in various places across South Dakota and Wyoming before settling in the Sheridan area in 1972. He worked for the Padlock Ranch until his retirement from punching cows in 1992. Jack and Dorothy moved to Lower Prairie Dog Road where they owned and operated JD Saddle Shop until 2015. He was an incredible western artist, saddle maker, story teller and dedicated follower of Christ. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and mentor to many. His legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.
Jack was preceded in death by Dorothy, his beloved wife of 67 years; his parents, two of his siblings, a baby daughter, Noala Dee, and son-in-law Marshall Jeffrey.
Jack is survived by his sister Arlene (John) Doughty of Portland, Oregon; his three sons – Corvin (Gena) and Wade (Janet) of Paisley, Oregon, and Arlin (Meshelle) of Sheridan; seven daughters – Loreen (Charles) Sebesta of Casper, Myla (Randy) Flikkema of Belgrade, Montana, Wyonda (Rocky) Brewer of Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma, Mona Gupton of Laramie, Loanna Jeffrey of Otoe, Nebraska, Callie (Paul) Fall of Sheridan, and Lacey (Kelby) Kretschman of Arvada; 25 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and numerous honorary ones; two great great grandsons and a new baby on the way.
The family extends special thanks to all of his caregivers at Brookdale Sugarland Ridge and the Hospice team who were so loving, attentive and a blessing in Jack’s last days. The family can never thank them enough.
A gathering and service in loving memory of Jack will be held Monday, February 19th. Viewing and visitation will be at Champion Funeral Home from 5:00 – 6:00pm and services from 6:00 – 7:00pm with Pastor Dan Keller officiating. Jack will be laid to rest, with full military honors in Lusk, Wyoming alongside his beloved wife and daughter at a private family burial on Tuesday, February 20th. The family has requested no flowers or donations. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.
