July 14, 1929 — Feb. 14, 2018

John “Jack” D. Cooper, 88, of Sister Lakes, passed away at his home on Wed., Feb. 14, 2018. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac.

Jack was born in Dowagiac, on July 14, 1929, to the late Lynn and Teresa (Brosnan) Cooper.

He was a 1947 graduate of Dowagiac High School and received his Master’s Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. Jack served his country while in the U.S. Army from February 1951 thru January 1953.

He married Phyllis Marie Fitzgerald on April 25, 1953, in Chicago. His career was with the Benton Harbor Public Schools lasting over 30 years and retiring in 1984 as Principal of Fairplain Junior High School.

After his retirement, he purchased and operated Sister Lakes Hardware until 1993 when his son Robert took it over. He was very active and instrumental in organizing class reunions. Jack was a 1966 Charter Member of the Sister Lakes Lions Club; a member of the Elks; and a Knights of Columbus. He will be greatly missed by many.

Jack is survived by his wife Phyllis of nearly 65 years; two sons – John (Candy) Cooper and Robert (Chris) Cooper both of Dowagiac; daughter-in-law Penny Cooper of Dowagiac; and grandchildren – Stephanie (Steven) Tucker, Jeff (Felicia) Cooper, Kristy (Ryan) Mitchell, Drew (LeAnne) Cooper, Josh Cooper and Lea Cooper; and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded by a son – Richard Cooper (2013) and a sister – Dolores McAvoy.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dowagiac, with Father Richard Altine officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation is 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18, at Clark Chapel in Dowagiac, with prayers at 5 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Sister Lakes Lions Club. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at clarkchapel.com.