James E. Cooper

James E. Cooper, age 76, a lifetime resident of Mokena, IL passed away on January 13, 2015. He was the beloved husband of Carol (nee Young of Hughsonville, NY); loving father of Melissa (Richard) Hoffman, Donna (Keith) Radatz, and Eileen (Spencer) Pasero; and devoted grandfather of Katrina and Trevor Hoffman, Everett and Grayden Radatz, and Evan, Coraline, and Broderick Pasero.
Jim is survived by two sisters; Jean Fraser of Marietta, GA and Kathryn Marszalek of Louisville, KY, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Everett J. and Ethel E. Cooper (nee Stoneclift) of Mokena, IL.
Jim received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1961. He worked for IBM in New York for three years, returning to Illinois in 1964 to work at Mokena State Bank where he eventually became President. He served 15 years on the Board of Directors for Silver Cross Hospital and has been a member of the Mokena Lions Club since 1966 where he served as Director and was Treasurer for many years.
Jim was a devoted lifelong servant of St. Mary Parish of Mokena. He was Chairman of the building committee for their new church in 1987 and served on the finance committee for many years.
Jim was a quiet, unassuming, and gentle man. He was ever patient and kind to everyone; always hardworking and dedicated to his family, community, and the church.
In 1995 he and his wife built a home on Lake Michigan (Dune Bridge Cottage). He loved the beauty and serenity of this special place and delighted in building sand castles and flying kites with his grandchildren and taking long walks on the beach or in the woods. He enjoyed cross country skiing, hiking, reading, and vacationing in the US and our National Parks. In retirement, Jim took up woodworking and produced many gifts, toys, and furniture for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Mary Church in Mokena, IL designated for the preservation of Old St. Mary Church or to the Mokena Lions Club designated to the fund for sight and hearing.
The visitation will be held from 2:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday January 20, 2015 at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 S. Wolf Road, Mokena, IL. The Lions Club will hold a tribute at 6:30 PM, and there will be a special prayer service at 7:00PM. The funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at St. Mary Church, 19515 S. 115th Ave., Mokena, IL.