Jack G. Cooper

Herrin- Jack Gans “Chigger” Cooper, age 85, of Herrin, passed away 10:00pm on Monday, January 16, 2017 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin. Jack was born in Williamson County on July 31, 1931, the son of Edward “Joe” Gans and Blanche Edith (Ashman) Cooper. He married Sandra Jean Richardson in Tunica, Mississippi on June 26, 1954. She survives in Herrin. Jack was a proud United States Army Veteran having served as a Sgt. First Class during the Korean conflict. Prior to his retirement, Jack worked at Norge, the Bank of Herrin as a loan officer, and as an independent insurance agent for Mid America Insurance.  An active member of Green Acres (Pine Lake) Golf Course in Energy, he was an avid golfer, achieving a hole-in-one status and the nickname “Chigger”. Jack enjoyed his early morning breakfast with his longtime friends at Burger Nook and Thornton’s but he will mostly be remembered as a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather leaving behind for his family a legacy of unconditional love. At this time, the family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Jeff Parks and Dr. Randy Cowart, the staff at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center, and the Fresenius Dialysis Center for their outstanding care and kindness. Survivors include his loving wife- Sandra Cooper of Herrin Daughter- Debra and Kevin Reagan of Herrin Son- Keith and Debra Cooper of Herrin Six Grandchildren Eleven Great Grandchildren Brother-in-law- Ronald and Frances Richardson of Carterville Sister-in-law- Dixie Lee Richardson of Carterville Sister-in-law- Lee Richardson of Garden Grove, CA Several Nieces and Nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law- Mary Jane and John Watz, and his granddaughter- Crystal Dawn Cooper. Memorial services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Rev. Ralph Brandon officiating. Inurnment will follow at Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy with military honors provided by the Herrin American Legion and VFW Posts with assistance from the United States National Guard. A time of visitation will be held from 9-11am on Friday at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America at the Marion VA office. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13^th Street; Herrin, IL 62948.  For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com