Copy of Jack A. Cooper Memorial Mass & Gathering

Jack Andre Cooper, retired Navy Chief Petty Officer of Virginia Beach, passed on Friday, January 13, 2023 after a long battle with renal cancer. He spent his final days at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Jack leaves behind his loving wife and caretaker, Laura Cooper, three daughters Vanessa Cooper (Michael Hebert) of Midlothian, Sarah Cooper of Virginia Beach, Christina McLendon (David) of Moyock, and son Andrew Cooper of Norfolk. He was a proud grandfather of Marlena Hebert, Nicholas Hebert, Brayden Hebert, Reagan Hebert, Vivian McLendon, and Ryan McLendon. Devoted brother to Melanie Alario of Baton Rouge, LA, Janice Jenkins of Gulfport, MS, Robert Cooper of MS, Teresa Cooper of Knoxville, TN, and Daniel Cooper of Gretna, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mercedes Cooper, his sister Frances Blondiau, and brother James Cooper.

Born on November 30, 1949 in Lakewood, New Jersey, Jack (one of eight) was the son of a Navy Chief that lived in many states and cities along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. He graduated from Archbishop Shaw Boys Catholic School in 1967. In 1970, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Jack and his shipmate/best friend, David Warkentien, of Lauderhill, FL, met and married two sisters, Laura and Laly, in Rota, Spain. He raised a family, settling in Norfolk, and then Virginia Beach. Jack retired from the Navy in 1990. He then worked with the Virginia Employment Commission for - 23 years and retired in the Spring of 2015. He received his BA in Human Resources Adminstration from Saint Leo University in 1995.

Jack was a devoted Catholic and a strong man of faith. He attended St. Pius X Church where he sang in the choir, volunteered with sheltering the homeless and running Friday night Bingo.

He was very proud of his naval career and the friendships he made during that time. He carried on that devotion in his civilian career where he assisted veterans in finding employment.

Jack was a platelet donor for the American Red Cross for several years, and a proud supporter of the St. Labre Indian School in Montana as he had a strong connection with the spirit of the Native Americans.

Jack was a humble, protective and loving soul. He cherished his “Spanish Beauty,” always showed up for his kids’ sports and activities, and wrote the most beautiful letters, poetry and cards to his loved ones to show that we were always on his mind. His legacy will live on through us all.

Host or Publisher Cooper Family