John Jude Cooley, age 59 of Jordan, passed away on May 7, 2015 north of Miles City. Throughout his life John always loved horses, driving trucks, and being with friends and family.
John Jude Cooley came into this world on June 12, 1955. He was a blessing to his parents Glenn Harold and Betty Jean (Doebele) Cooley. He joined his older siblings Glenda and Marcie. They were later joined by their younger brother, Richard. Young Johnny grew up and attended school in Jordan, MT. In his mid-teens he started driving truck and soon became an owner operator. This enabled him to travel all across the United States and he made friends everywhere he went. He later earned his GED. He married Debbie Miller and they later divorced. He moved to Billings and started dating Bonnie Brusett. John married Bonnie on July 9, 1988. From this marriage, John and Bonnie had Jennifer Lynn and John Eden. John enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his children. He would always tell anyone who would listen about their numerous exploits. J.E. and John spent many nights restoring old pickups and working with horses. John took Jennifer and JE feeding when weather would permit. On the ranch, John and Bonnie raised cattle, horses, sheep, and then more horses. In fact, Jennifer thought a cow was called a “B#$%@$” for several years. John’s last truck was a maroon Peterbuilt which he sold just a few years ago. After selling this truck he began working for the Garfield County School as their maintenance man, delivering mail for the US Postal Service , and took care of his cow herd, including the three legged cow.
John served on the Garfield County School board for fourteen years. He was also on the Garfield County Conservation Board.
John enjoyed family and friends. He tried never to miss a Cooley family reunion where he caught up on all the news and posed for the never-ending pictures that Glenda insisted on. John always loved his socializing with friends, whether it was at a branding, the bar, or driving around looking at his cattle herd. Everyone knew that John Cooley always had a big wave, a good smile, and a cold beer.
He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Bobby Ericson) Cooley of Lincoln, Nebraska; his son J.E. Cooley of Jordan; his brother Richard Cooley of Helena, MT; his sisters: Glenda (John) Chaison of Las Vegas, NV and Marcie (Gary) Eathorne of Seattle, WA; and the mother of his children Bonnie Cooley. John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Sammy.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to: Jordan Ambulance Service.
Terri Newby says
I am so very sorry for your loss. John lived next door to me in Miles City. He was always so nice, and very kind hearted. We enjoyed many beers and chats. I just recently saw him at Albertsons and told him he looked better and healthier than I’d seen in years. Life is so precious and tenuous…
May he rest in beautiful peace, and may God wrap his loving and comforting arms around all of you during the sorrow-filled days to come.
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
To all of John’s family, I am so sorry to see that John has passed away. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. He was a good friend to many and I know he will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Diane
Marian Stewart Watt says
So sorry to hear that John is gone. I only got to know Him over the past couple years through the Brusett PO He was alway kind, helpful, a quick study, and fun to work with. Keeping all of the family in my prayers!
Allen and Karen Barnes says
Our sympathy goes out to all of John’s family – he was a great guy – I will miss saying hello Cool John!! Hope all your good memories will make this time easier for you. God Bless
Muff Engdahl says
To all of John’s family and friends,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. John was one of a kind, always had a smile on his face and loved to visit when I would see him. He was a good man, so many great memories. He will be missed.
mitzi beecher says
So sorry to hear about your loss
Todd Larson says
I am sorry to hear such a good man has left us and went home, he will be missed by all. I extend my condolences to his family and friends, whom ever met John can consider themselves blessed because he was just that type of man!
Kelly Childers and family says
Words cannot express the feeling of loss that John’s passing has brought to us. He was a true friend who was always there to give a helping hand. I will miss his smiling face and fun loving ways. Keep your memories close to your hearts as he will be on my mind and in my heart. Life goes on, but is never quite the same. Our prayers and thoughts go with you all.
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
So shocked to hear of the passing of our friend John. He was just one of those people you expected to be with us forever. Loved his smile, easy laughter and sense of humor. He was one of those people that would drop his own stuff at the drop of a hat to come help if needed. RIP my friend. May God give you strength during this hard time and your good memories bring you peace.
DODIE & NEAL PAXSON says
With a very heavy heart I cannot even begin to express my feelings of loss as I am sure is true with all. Johnny Jude was the best of the best from his unconditional love, fantastic sense of humor, extreme admiration love & pride for Jennifer & JE, willingness to help all in need & true friendship to his remarkable ability to make the very best out of any situation. May he now rest in peace and may his family find peace in the hard days ahead. He is gone but will never be forgotten and know he will keep an eye on all!
Carrie McNutt says
Such a shock to hear that a life long friend is gone . Johnny Cooley was one of oneriest kids I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and grew up to be one of the nicest men I have met. He is truly going to be missed.
Teddy Robertson says
What I knew about John was he was a very nice man. I’m grateful for having known him. My heartfelt prayers are with you all.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of the Cooley Family.
Edwin and Janet Clark says
With sympathy and prayers for comfort to the family of John, he will be missed by all.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
To all of Johns Family,
Our deepest sympathy. We will miss his big smile and all the stories and the laughter. RIP Cooley..
Debbie says
My heart breaks for John’s children. The sudden loss of their father has to be devastating to them. My deepest condolences to John’s siblings & his children.
DEATH leaves a heartache noone can heal LOVE leaves a memory noone can steal. author unknown.
Candy Bollinger Huseby says
Thoughts and prayers to John’s family. He was a wonderful man. God Bless.
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
We are so saddened to learn of the loss of such a wonderful friend. Our prayers are with the family. Just know that your sorrow is shared by many!
Rod Bollinger says
To the family of Cool John prayers for all of you during this time. John will not be forgotten. His memories will always be with us all as he left a smile or laugh with everyone. God Bless!
Glenn Crawford says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of John Cooley.
Jim and Tracy Zeorian says
Jordan will never be the same. Although we were residents for a short period of time every summer, we’ve come to love the town and its residents. John was one that we always looked forward to seeing. One of the first faces we’d see and one that we usually saw just prior to leaving. So sorry for Jennifer and JE and the hurting that’s in their hearts right now.
Deb Bartholomew says
Bonnie, Jen, JE and Family
I was so saddened to hear about John. He always had a smile on his face, great sense of humor, always had time for a visit, was always there to lend to helping hand whenever needed and He was truly a gentleman! When you met John for the first time he was a friend for life. He always knew you. Always remember “WHEN A LOVED BECOMES A MEMORY THAT MEMORY BECOMES A TREASURE”. He will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories and just know he watching over all of you. John Cooley will be a Treasure in everyone’s heart who knew him and never forgotten. My thoughts and prayer are with you all!
Bill and Jody Wallick says
We are sorry to hear of Johns passing. We will miss him. He always would brighten our day with his grin and presence and his positive attitude.
Doug and Teri Zook says
Marcie and family:
We heard about John’s passing and were shocked. Never expect those younger than ourselves to go before we do, I suppose. We got to know him a bit when his son JD played basketball for Jordan High School. We had a connection to some of those HS activities in Jordan with Dustin & Brian Chamberlin. Do have memories of John and Richard coming to Grandma’s house in Miles City when you and I were teenagers:). Please know we are thinking about you and send our sympathy and friendship.
Shelley Fogle says
Your all in my thoughts and prayers! May GOD wrap his loving healing arms around you all as you grieve the passing of John and the days to come as you lay him to rest and the days after that as life goes on. My heartfelt sympathy to you all. God Bless
Diana & Calvin Thomas says
We are so sorry for your loss. John was such a nice guy. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob and Jane Ebgdahl says
Sorry for your loss, One good fellow, will be missed by many, always had a big smile and Hello? Our prayers go to all the family.
Donovan Currey says
To all of John’s family,
I pray that God gives you his grace and blessings during this difficult time. Johnny was one of my closest friends, as I grew up in Jordan, and I will always have fond memories of many days we spent chasing sheep and cows at the ranch. Whenever I returned home it always seemed like Johnny was one of my classmates that I always visited with, whether I initiated it, or he heard I was in town and looked me up or we just happen to bump into each other at the Hell Creek. John was also so full of life, he wanted to know what was happening with me and my family, and he was quick to share his story. I will miss these encounters in the future. God Bless all of you. Donovan
Michelle and Shay says
Every time I saw John he always gave me a big smile and said hello, and I can’t tell you how glad that always made me. He’ll be greatly missed. -M
Melanie Fisher says
Thinking of you guys during this time.
Doug and Teri Zook says
Correction on John’s son ~ JE (not JD)..sorry:(. At any rate, he seemed like a good kid:)
Tracey Currey Bolich says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a special man to so many! May his memories bring you peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Love and hugs!
Dorthy Ley says
Rest in pease, son in law, you were my friend.
Justin and Andrea Pluhar says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family through this difficult time.
Kathy Wach says
Jennifer, JE, Marcie, Glenda, Richard, Bonnie and all the Cooley Clan:
What a lovely, beautifully written Obituary for your Father and Brother. You must feel so proud of the wonderful Man who blessed your lives! His time here was way too short, but it is clear from reading all these thoughtful tributes that he was a good man who loved, and was loved. In the end, that is the very best any of us can hope for.
There will always be an empty space in your heart that only he could fill. Take comfort in your wonderful memories, your faith that he is in a loving place and in each other.
Knowing John he is seated at the right hand of our Father telling him all about his 3 Legged cow!!
May God Bless each one of you.
All our love and prayers are with you,
Dan, Kathy and Casey
Marcia K Wall says
To Johnny’s children, family and siblings Glenda, Marcie and Richard~ I knew Johnny when he and Richard would come to Miles City with their Mom while Marcie and I were attending high school. We had these great plans and Marcie would say, “we have the boys to babysit tonight.” What???? Those young brats! I say that with great affection! They were both so sweet and well-mannered and real Jordan “dudes.” Later, I would see Johnny at a Cooley reunion in Helena or at a family event. He always had that great smile and genuine heart that you just knew he was kind and sincere in everything he did and said. I am saddened that such a good man and Montana cowboy laid down his hat and surrendered to a better place! He’s close by and his spirit will live on through Jennifer and JE and his precious brother and sisters! The Cooley family was very close and knew a day’s hard work would make for a better life! Pay attention to Mother Nature; for in a moment of sadness a Meadowlark will greet you with a song and it will be Johnny saying hello and not to worry about him. A butterfly will land on your arm and he will want you to remember the loving and fun memories you shared. Johnny is safe within the arms of our loving Father in Heaven and he’s probably fixing a truck or just enjoying a beer. I’m hoping for wine in Heaven! 🙂 God bless you all and know I love you Marcie Cooley Eathorne like my sister and always will and Glenda and Richard! We are country people that will remain steadfast and strong through the sadness and sorrow of loss. My love and prayers are with you to help ease your heartache.
Many blessings to Johnny Cooley ~ a great Montana Cowboy and friend to everyone!
Tom and Claudia Stanton says
To John’s Family, So sorry for your loss. John was a good man. God Be With You All.
chag o'connor says
John always had a joke. there will be a big hole in town
Mary Schaefer says
To John’s Family, I am sorry for the loss of John. He always had a big smile on his face when he walked in the door. I always a enjoyed a quick visit with John whenever I saw him in Miles City. Thoughts and prayers to all of his family.
Lori Wheatcroft says
To John’s Family: My deepest sympathy goes to all of you. It is so sad to hear of another great guy passing. He will be missed by a lot of people. I will remember his smile, jokes and many good times when we were in high school. My thoughts to all his family. Take care.
Pat Joyce says
May you rely on the peace of God’s love and wisdom during this time. We all share the great memories of John’s wit and wide smile. He never left you without a great story and full interest in what you and your family were up to. He was a great friend to my folks and we all three thought the world of John. It won’t be the same Jordan without him. Know he is resting in peace for all the good he did for all of us while he was here.
Jo Ryan says
Cooley Family, My condolences go out to all of you. Another classmate gone way too soon.
Many memories going through my mind. He will be missed by so many. He always greeted me when he saw me. There will be a huge void in Jordan without John around.
Rest in Peace Friend.
Irene Sloan Family says
Dear Cooley Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences for your profound loss.
We pray the Lord will comfort your hearts as only He can do. Love and prayers are sent your way. Grandmother Cooley’s Miles City neighbors.
Jerry Krueger says
Dear Cooley Family,
I didn’t know John, but in knowing his daughter Jennifer and her values, I know he must have been a wonderful person. Someone who I would certainly call a friend if I had the opportunity to meet him. Please accept my condolences for your loss. Take comfort from knowing he’s in great place, now wrangling “B#$%@$” across the green pastures of heaven.
Jerry Krueger, Lincoln, NE
Cynthia Mulvaney says
Dear Marcie and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, John. Losing a loved one is heart breaking. May your faith comfort you in knowing he’s close by and beginning his spiritual life. Your love and memories of John live on as you celebrate his life and the years you had together.
I’m sorry,
Cynthia (Vergine) Mulvaney
Kim & Ralph Studer says
We are so sorry for your family’s loss Rich. Our prayers are with you.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Glenda and Marcie, So sorry to hear about your brother. Thinking about you during this time. It sounds like there are many wonderful memories to hold on to.
Connie S Vergine says
To all the Cooley family,
My heartfelt sympathies go out to you on this day. I hope that you will feel the wonderful thoughts and prayers being offered by so many. Obviously, John had many close friends, and was loved by many people in the community. Marcie was a great part of the Vergine sister household for so many years that she was like another sister in the house, and I imagine that John must somehow be an almost a little brother to us. I remember visiting Marcie at her grandmothers a lot. May your hearts heal, and may God hold you close at this sad time saying ” so long” until we meet again.
Connie Vergine
Harold & Betty Kersting, Powell, WY says
God bless you all during this time of your loss of John, brother, father, friend……and a son of our cousin, Betty………Wish we could have seen him more often…. Kerstings
Jon & Darlene Mann says
We are so sad to hear of John passing away. Although its been a few years since we had fun visiting John & family on the ranch, we remember his fun loving, kind, easy going spirit. There were always good stories, fun times, a little cowboy pasture golf & a good horse to ride. Our hearts go out to Jennifer, JE & Bonnie as well as all his family & friends.