Cooper Kirk Jackson , Jr.
February 16th, 1935 - September 27th, 2024
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Cooper's Obituary
Cooper Kirk Jackson Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27th in Harrison, Ohio, at the age of 89. Born on February 16, 1935, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Cooper Kirk Jackson Sr. and Fern Lila (Schaus) Jackson, he was the eldest of three siblings.
A proud graduate of Benton Harbor High School in 1954, Cooper often shared fond memories of his childhood spent working on the family farm and helping his father and grandfather at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club boat docks. His journey led him to serve in the Naval Reserves, enlisting as a junior in high school in 1952 and honorably discharged in 1960, where he honed his discipline, sense of duty and proudly wore the uniform.
It was during his time as a police officer in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph Township that he met his loving wife, Gwendolyn Marie Rierson. They celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage and raised two daughters, Wendy and Jenifer, along with his son, Jeff.
Retiring from Indiana & Michigan Power after 28 years, Cooper and Gwen moved to their home he built in the serene woods of Branch, Michigan, in 1995. An avid outdoorsman, Cooper's love for hunting and fishing evolved into a deep appreciation for nature, where he found joy in feeding the deer and birds that frequented his property. He was so in tune with nature that animals seemed to recognize him as one of their own.
In those 30 years after retirement, they spent a few winters in Florida and traveled extensively, always making time to attend their grandchildren's sporting events and cherishing moments with family. In 2022, Cooper made the bittersweet decision to leave the home he adored to be closer to his family in Ohio. Though he preferred the tranquility of nature to the hustle and bustle, it was the joy of being near his granddaughters and great-grandchildren that brought him comfort.
Cooper was the quintessential "girl dad," affectionately known as Grandpa to his granddaughters and Papa to his great-granddaughters. He was eventually blessed with a great-grandson, who he delighted in calling his little “buddy,” often flashing his beautiful blue eyes, which became a beloved signature of his playful spirit—“Papa Eyes.”
Cooper will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his deep connection to nature and the joy he brought to everyone around him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength and cherished memories. He is survived by his wife Gwen; his children, son Jeff (Kathy) Jackson, and daughters Wendy (Tim) Skidmore and Jenifer (Thom) Golba; granddaughters Taylor (Ben) Toerner, Courtney (Jeremy) Young, Grace Golba and Emily Golba; great-granddaughters Lydia and Mazie; and great-grandson Maverick. Survivors also include sisters-in-law Connie (Dave) Gorz and Lila Jackson; his cousin Alice Henry; and nieces Lesli (Brian) Eichel, Stacie (John) Koch and Amber (Justin) Latham. He joins in eternal rest those who have passed before him, including his parents, brother Jimmie, infant sister Constant and step-granddaughter Julie James.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 12th at 11:00 am at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan. Friends and family may visit with the family one hour preceding the service. Immediately following will be a light lunch served in the community room. Memorial donations in Cooper’s name may be made to Notre Dame Harper Cancer Research Institute, a major researcher in metastatic bone disease related to prostate cancer, at https://giving.nd.edu/hcri or the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Donations may also be made at the service.
A proud graduate of Benton Harbor High School in 1954, Cooper often shared fond memories of his childhood spent working on the family farm and helping his father and grandfather at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club boat docks. His journey led him to serve in the Naval Reserves, enlisting as a junior in high school in 1952 and honorably discharged in 1960, where he honed his discipline, sense of duty and proudly wore the uniform.
It was during his time as a police officer in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph Township that he met his loving wife, Gwendolyn Marie Rierson. They celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage and raised two daughters, Wendy and Jenifer, along with his son, Jeff.
Retiring from Indiana & Michigan Power after 28 years, Cooper and Gwen moved to their home he built in the serene woods of Branch, Michigan, in 1995. An avid outdoorsman, Cooper's love for hunting and fishing evolved into a deep appreciation for nature, where he found joy in feeding the deer and birds that frequented his property. He was so in tune with nature that animals seemed to recognize him as one of their own.
In those 30 years after retirement, they spent a few winters in Florida and traveled extensively, always making time to attend their grandchildren's sporting events and cherishing moments with family. In 2022, Cooper made the bittersweet decision to leave the home he adored to be closer to his family in Ohio. Though he preferred the tranquility of nature to the hustle and bustle, it was the joy of being near his granddaughters and great-grandchildren that brought him comfort.
Cooper was the quintessential "girl dad," affectionately known as Grandpa to his granddaughters and Papa to his great-granddaughters. He was eventually blessed with a great-grandson, who he delighted in calling his little “buddy,” often flashing his beautiful blue eyes, which became a beloved signature of his playful spirit—“Papa Eyes.”
Cooper will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his deep connection to nature and the joy he brought to everyone around him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength and cherished memories. He is survived by his wife Gwen; his children, son Jeff (Kathy) Jackson, and daughters Wendy (Tim) Skidmore and Jenifer (Thom) Golba; granddaughters Taylor (Ben) Toerner, Courtney (Jeremy) Young, Grace Golba and Emily Golba; great-granddaughters Lydia and Mazie; and great-grandson Maverick. Survivors also include sisters-in-law Connie (Dave) Gorz and Lila Jackson; his cousin Alice Henry; and nieces Lesli (Brian) Eichel, Stacie (John) Koch and Amber (Justin) Latham. He joins in eternal rest those who have passed before him, including his parents, brother Jimmie, infant sister Constant and step-granddaughter Julie James.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 12th at 11:00 am at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan. Friends and family may visit with the family one hour preceding the service. Immediately following will be a light lunch served in the community room. Memorial donations in Cooper’s name may be made to Notre Dame Harper Cancer Research Institute, a major researcher in metastatic bone disease related to prostate cancer, at https://giving.nd.edu/hcri or the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Donations may also be made at the service.
Memorial Contributions
Notre Dame Harper Cancer Research Institute (A major researcher in metastatic bone disease related to prostate cancer)
Wounded Warrior Project
Service Details
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