Rev. Jack D. Cooper

Reverend Jack D. Cooper, 88, ran into Jesus’ arms with great joy on Thursday, March 1, 2018. He was born in Lansing, Michigan to Clyde and Mary Cooper. He lived his life spreading the gospel.

Jack attended Avondale Elementary School, graduated from Marion High School, Marion, Michigan and then graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana with a double Bachelor’s Degree in Religion and Theology. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the middle of his college career, where he served for 2 years at the end of the Korean War.

Jack met Mary, his wife of 58 years, while attending Indiana Wesleyan University. They later adopted 3 children, Laura Coeur, Linda (Gary) Beggs and Paul (Susan) Cooper.

He pastored seven Wesleyan Churches in Michigan, preaching over 4,500 sermons and leading over 1,900 Bible Studies during his 38 years of ministry. Countless hours were spent in prayer for his family, church and neighbors. Many people surrendered their lives to Jesus during this time and were taught how to grow as a believer under his ministry.

Jack and Mary had the privilege of touring the Holy Land. He especially enjoyed a Mission Trip to Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, with several other pastors, where he was able to preach with an interpreter several times.

Jack and Mary retired to the Mears area in 1996. It was there that they enjoyed being close to grandchildren and welcoming great grandchildren.

Jack also enjoyed gardening, deer hunting and fishing. He had great memories of fishing trips to Canada with his friends and family. Jack loved playing the organ, guitar and the ukulele that his father-in-law gave him. Jack also enjoyed playing games with his friends at the apartment building where he lived for the past few years.

Jack loved everyone. He was a Jesus follower.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in 2014; parents, Clyde and Mary (Davis) Cooper; infant brother, Roger Cooper; sister, Martha Salisbury; and brother, Bill Cooper.  

Surviving are his children, Laura Coeur of Flint, Linda (Gary) Beggs of Mears, and Paul (Susan) Cooper of Mancelona; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and his siblings, Bud Cooper, Lela Wheeler, Pat (Roy) Thompson, Ralph (Jean) Cooper, Birt (Arlyene) Cooper, Steve Cooper and Carol (Jim) Batterbee

Visitation is Sunday, March 4th, 6-8 pm at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby. The funeral service for Rev. Cooper will be held Monday, March 5th, 11 am at Shelby Wesleyan Church.  Interment will be in Cherry Valley Cemetery near Evart, Michigan.  Please consider Gideons International P.O. Box 172, Pentwater, MI  49449 as a memorial in lieu of flowers. 

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