John "Jack" Edward Cooper

1944 – 2024

John "Jack" Edward Cooper (79), of Kennewick, Washington, passed away on April 24, 2024. Jack was born on June 27, 1944 in Compton, CA to Howard Ellsworth and Mary Louise Cooper. He was the third of 4 boys and grew up in Southern California. He was a talented athlete in many sports, excelling in football and baseball. He served his country in the Army, and upon his return from Korea in 1967, he married the love of his life, Beth. Together they were blessed with 3 daughters, 3 sons-in-laws, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. They were married for 52 years until Beth's passing in 2020.

Jack and Beth's life together began and was shaped in the City of Fullerton. They met at Fullerton College. Jack had a successful nearly 30-year career with the Fullerton Fire Department. Jack was also very involved in the community over the years—from Fullerton Hills Bobby Sox Softball, to girls' athletics at Fullerton Union High School, to volunteering for many different church activities and events. Jack and Beth were so blessed to have wonderful family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers everywhere they lived, worked, and socialized.

Jack had a very successful career in the Fullerton Fire Department, rising up through the ranks to Operations Chief. After retiring in 1995, Jack and Beth moved to Fallbrook, CA to realize a dream Jack had of farming. They spent 15 years enjoying their avocado and citrus groves. After that, their next big adventure took them to the Pacific Northwest where they built their custom dream home and got to experience the beautiful panoramic views of the city and skyline.

Jack was a happy, wise, and fun person to be around. He was a devout Catholic and a truly devoted family man. Jack was very close with his entire family, frequently spending time with his brothers and their families. All the cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles loved coming together for the holidays, working on projects together, and socializing all year long. Jack also loved getting together with his neighbors and friends, who were like family to him. You could often find him sharing morning coffee, afternoon happy hour, or progressive dinners with them.

Together, Jack and Beth had many fun adventures. They went on cruises to Alaska and Mexico, snowmobiling in Yellowstone, trips on Route 66, car shows, golf trips, jet-skiing trips, tours of the NASCAR track, Dallas Cowboy stadium, and the University of Notre Dame, spending time enjoying their property in Idaho…the list goes on. So much fun!

Jack was a very good coach and mentor for people. Professionally, he spent some time teaching at the Fire Academy. In addition, he regularly assisted others with their interviewing skills and career development. When it came to sports, Jack was a dedicated coach for many of his daughters' softball teams. Another favorite and treasured "coaching" of Jack's was teaching, hosting and playing cards, craps and blackjack, especially with his grandchildren. You might have seen him a time or two playing keno at a casino as well, and teaching others his strategies for success.

After all the love he gave, his heart finally needed some rest. Jack died on April 24, 2024 with family around him. He left a lasting legacy and will be so dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jack is survived by his three daughters and their families: Laura and Pete Kaiser (children Derek, Andrew, and Rebekah); Linda and Chris Brown (children Abigail and Grant); Kathleen and Ryan Casey (children Cooper and Sabrina). Jack is also survived by his three brothers: Bill (wife Mary) Cooper, Howard Cooper, and Jim (wife Elaine) Cooper. Jack was preceded in death by his wife Beth and sister-in-law Marge.

Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church (3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003). The Rosary is at 10:00AM followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30AM. Inurnment with military honors will take place on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Riverside National Cemetery at 11:00AM (22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518).

If you would like to make a charitable donation in lieu of flowers, these organizations have been meaningful to Jack and his family: Wounded Warriors, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Please feel free to share a message or sign the guest book on Mueller's Funeral Home website (www.muellersfuneralhomes.com). We thank you all for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers.