James “Jim” R. Cooley, age 72 of Westbrook, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at Slayton Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. A Celebration of Life and Remembrance will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 20 at the Westbrook Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Westbrook Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
James Richard Cooley was born June 25, 1944 in Fulda, Minnesota to Richard and Viola (Olson) Cooley. He was baptized July 2, 1944 at Fulda Presbyterian Church. Jim graduated from Westbrook High School in 1962. After his schooling, Jim entered the US Marines on March 12, 1962. He received his honorable discharge March 8, 1966. Jim was attached to the 3/9 Marines as a radioman and was the first to amphibiously land in Vietnam in Da Nang. They were met with accolades from the Vietnamese and with gifts and flowers. Jim was proud to be a Marine. On November 19, 1966 he married Charlotte Hudson at Tracy Lutheran Church. The couple lived in Westbrook. Jim owned Jim’s Milling and later worked for Riddell Construction and Westbrook Egg Company. In 1972 they bought and moved to a farm in Rosehill Township. In 2011 he entered the Westbrook Nursing Home and in 2012 became a resident of Slayton Rehabilitation Healthcare Center. Jim was a member of the VFW. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop or with his John Deere tractors, listening to music, going to Slayton with his sons and looking at tools and visiting. Jim loved his many pets, especially Harley, bonfires, and spending time with his family. Our dad has fought valiantly against his dementia for 12 years and now he is finally at peace. We will, in all our lifetimes, never meet a man so steadfast, courageous, and loving as Jim. He will forever reign in our hearts and the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to know him.
Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Charlotte; children: Chad (LuAnn) of Rosehill Township, Brian (Kerstin) of Windom, Susan (Jason) Madson of Waseca, and Barb Cooley (fiancé Brian Froegel) of Trempealeau, WI; grandchildren: Yalanda Klein, Andrea, Quentin, and Brennon Cooley, Sara and Mitchell Cooley, and Josie Madson; great grandchildren: Paige, Kellie, Preston, Bentley, and Austyn; siblings: Betty (Dave) Johnson of Sanborn and John (Charlene) Cooley of Westbrook; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Norma Sell, brother Lee Cooley, and infant grandson Aaron Lee Cooley.
Jim used to grind Clifford &Betty Hansen’s feed when I was young, I remembering his sense of humor, always on time. Worked very hard ,when he left the yard , I felt like a better person. So sorry for your loss.
Our sincere sympathy for your family.
I had the privilege of knowing Jim in my younger days what a good man!!!
Jim was one of my best friends. He was always kind and fun. I’ll never forget his smile. He was always so proud of his family and you took such good care of him. RIP Jim. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy to Jim’s family. Char, you have faithfully loved and supported him for over 50 years, and the last 12 were especially difficult. May you all rejoice in the celebration of the good life he lived, and now JIm is enjoying the blessings of heaven. Cherish your happy memories. The world was made a better place because Jim was a part of it.
Sincerely with love and sympathy, Eunie Christensen
I’m going to miss you jim!! We had some good times back in the day. U were an awesome grandpa to me and chads children.. They loved spending time with you!! So many memories of camping and having bonfires in the back yard. Love you jim and I know your not done looking after your children, grandchildren and great grandbabies!!! You are going to be missed by SO MANY!! Love you jim.
So sorry. Thinking of you and the family.
Condolences to the Cooley family, I am so sorry for the pain and emptiness of heart the enemy death has left you. May the God of all comfort, comfort you and help you to endure. (2Corinthians 1:3,4)
Our condolences go out to you Charlotte and your family. God bless Jim!
To all the Jim Cooley family: We love you and will never forget our ‘fun to be around’ Jim. We are making a donation to the Westbrook Swim Pool in memory of Jim. Jim and Peggy Klasse and family
So sorry for your loss. I remember Jim as a hard working down to earth person. Just a genuine good guy to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.