John Cooper

Obituary of John CooperJohn Henry Cooper Jr., 54 of Silver Springs, Fl, passed away peacefully at his home, Sunday, May 20, 2012 with his family by his side. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, he was a resident of Florida since 1978. John was employed with Joshen Paper and Packing Company where he worked for 11 years. He was also a private thoroughbred horse breeder. He dedicated his life to care, love and breeding of thoroughbred horses. He is a member of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He is predeceased by his mother, Jackie Gossett in 2010, stepfather, Billie Gossett in 2011; and brother, Christopher Cooper in 1992. John is survived by his father, John H. Cooper Sr. (Carol) of Caseville, Michigan, his devoted wife of 16 years, Marianne Cooper of Silver Springs, Fl; 2 sons; Curtis Cooper(Amanda); John Cooper III; and daughter, Samantha Cooper, all of New Port Richey,Fl. Step-daughter Kimberlee Harvey (Rob) of Apopka, Fl.; granddaughter, Mickenzie Wilson, of New Port Richey, Fl. grandsons Landon and Brennen Harvey of Apopka, Fl. Sisters, Cheryl Ann Cooper of Madison Heights, Michigan, Sandra Jean Daniel of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Theresa Ann Gossett of Hudson, Fl, Cindi Fick of Lapeer, Michigan. Brothers , William (Billy) Gossett of New Port Richey, Florida;Billy (Ray) Gossett,of Beaverton, Michigan, Mike Gossett of Beaverton, Michigan and Tim Cooper of Imlay City, Michigan, a Loving Aunt and God Mother Marguerite McIntyre and Nora Chimner of Madison Heights, Michigan, several nieces, nephews and friends. A celebration of life service will be held at the family home on Sunday, June 3rd at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: Florida Thoroughbred Rescue Foundation, 801 SW 60th Ave, Ocala, Fl. 34474John Henry Cooper, JRFebruary 8, 1958 - May 20, 2012 John Henry Cooper, Jr. was born February 8, 1958 to theparents of Mary Jacqueline (Jackie) McIntyre (deceased)and John Henry Cooper Sr, in Waterford, Michigan.He spent his youth with his Mother and Stepfather,Billie Mac Gossett (deceased) in Ferndale and Royal Oak,Michigan. Baseball was a passion of his as a boy and hesported an excellent pitching style. The family eventually all moved to Florida in the late 70's where he found a sense of the hard working person he became through out the rest of his life. His true joy in life came in the early 80's when marriage graced him with three wonderful children . they were the true loves of his life.he burst with pride when ever he spoke of them. Curtis James, John Henry and Samantha Joe. (Lynn to read John III letter Lynn to read sentence Please know that he loved you with all his heart and soul Song # 2 Ain't No Angel ( Billy - Song John requested to be played from him tohis children - Hand on the BibleAt a young age though, John found life to be tough andfought many demons. But by the grace of God and manyyears of life on life's terms he found the halls of aprogram that he freely admitted saved hislifeAlcoholics Anonymous..24 years of abstinencefrom drugs and alcohol gave him the opportunity tocontinue growing and accepting the things he could notchange, changing the things he could and found thewisdom to know the difference. Often Expressing hiswords he lived by "Acceptance is the key to all things"He became a kinder soul, loving ,caring, energetic andstrong. His humor and wit saw the light side of life.His great laugh was infectious to all who heard it. So many times we find ourselves lingering in the past,dredging up people places and things that may have hurtus deeply. Dragging baggage of despair and notrecognizing how fortunate it is that we all have a life..that we are all a part of it's unfolding and we share so many special moments in time. Today is one of those special moments , because we have had the privilege to know John Henry Cooper Jr. ( Song #4 - "Changed" by Rascal Flatts) In the mid 80's John's passion for horses exploded and he threw himself into the thoroughbred horse industry with old friends in the horse business helping and encouraging his never ending thrist for the horses. Eventually giving him an opportunity to work on one of the many prominent horse farms in the Ocala area. Enjoying the many opportunities to work with breeding mares worth millions and help with the breeding and foaling of these wonderful animals. It was his passion for many years. In the early 90's he met his wife of 16 years Marianne and they built a life together. They incorporating there love for animals.she as a professional dog groomer and John branching out on his own building his own small farm and continued his passion for breeding and selling thoroughbreds.(song# 5 There you'll be) John expanded his working history by also becoming an employee of Joshen Paper and Packaging Co. as a warehouse associate. He shared many hours , days and time helping the warehouse run smoothly. He was a dedicated employee for 11 years and established some long time friends. The extraordinary out pouring of compassion shone by the company and employees of Joshen has been a great comfort to his family and they wish to take this time to thank you all. Unfortunately when John was diagnosis with cancer the world shifted under the feet of all who knew him. Even with the diagnosis, he still showed us the definition of grace. Even battling for his life, he was concerned about how everyone else was coping. His wife, sisters, brother, son, daughter and other friends an family spent as much time as they could to be with John during his battle. We are so grateful that he had an opportunity to express his love to each and every one of us. Leaving us all with a sense of great loss, but blessed for being a part of this wonderful human beings life. ( Song #6 If I die young ) by Band Perry The family would like to express our sincere love, deep respect and admiration to Billy Gossett, John's little brother. John asked Billy to come help him through the challenges he knew he was to face. Without hesitation Billy threw himself in the roll of care giver with love, dignity and the highest regard to John's well being. He helped John and Marianne daily through one of life's toughest hurdles. May God Bless You all the days of your life and beyond. The family would also like to fondly acknowledge all of the love and heartfelt cards and letters that John would receive daily from his favorite Aunt Margurite and Nora. He looked forward to having his sisters or brother read the adventures of their daily lives. John looked forward to those times. Sometimes they would send surprise packages like Saunders fudge to melt over vanilla ice cream. We all enjoyed that!!! How about the loaves of Wisconsin cheese bread.MMMMMMMMMMMM!Billy to read Aunt Marguerite letterAny additional memories from FamilySong # 7 Silver Wings The Legacy When I die, give what is left of me to children.If you need to cry, cry for your brothers and sisterwalking beside you.Put your arms around anyone and give them what you needto give me.I want to leave you with something, something better thanwords or sounds.Look for me in the people I have known and loved.And if you cannot live without me, then let me live on inyour eyes, yourmind and your acts of kindness. You can love me most by letting hands touchhands and letting go of children that need to be free.Love does not die, people do.So when all that is left of me is love....Give me awayThe family would like to give,Special recognition toHospice East Team for all the compassion, kindness andcare to our beloved John. To all that are here today tocelebrate John's life he obviously lives through eachand everyone of you. OPEN SPEAKING OBITUARY To be read out loud - by BILLY John Henry Cooper Jr., 54 of Silver Springs, Fl, passedaway peacefully at his home,Sunday, May 20, 2012 with his family by his side. Born inPontiac, Michigan, he was aresident of Florida since 1978. John was employed withJoshen Paper and PackingCompany where he worked for 11 years. He was also aprivate thoroughbred horsebreeder. He dedicated his life to care, love and breedingof thoroughbred horses. He is amember of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He is pre ceased in death by hismother, Jackie Gossett in 2010, stepfather, BillieGossett in 2011; and brother,Christopher Cooper in 1992. John is survived by hisfather, John H. Cooper Sr. of Caseville, Michigan, hisdevoted wife of 16 years,Marianne Cooper of Silver Springs, Fl;2 sons; Curtis and wife Amanda Cooper; John Cooper III;and daughter, Samantha Cooper, all ofNew Port Richey,Fl.Step-daughter Kimberlee and husband Rob Harvey ofApopka, Fl.;granddaughter, Mickenzie Wilson, of New Port Richey, Fl.grandsons Landon and Brennen Harvey of Apopka, Fl. 4 sisters, Cheryl Ann Cooper of Madison Heights,Michigan,Sandra Jean Daniel of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Theresa AnnGossett of Hudson, Fl,and Cindi Fick of Lapeer, Michigan.and 4 brothers, William Gossett (Billy) of New PortRichey, Florida, Tim Cooper of Imlay City, Billy RayGossett of Beaverton,Michigan and Mike Gossett ofBeaverton, Michigana Loving Aunt and God Mother Marguerite McIntyre ofMadison Heights, Michigan, several nieces, nephews, andofriends. John was a Son, a Grandson, a Brother, a Husband, aFather, a Grandfather, an Uncle, a Cousin, a Nephew anda Friend to so many people. There is no doubt that hewill be missed. John was happiest when he was withfamily and friends.May he rest in peace next to those that have gone beforehim and next to those that will follow. Final Prayer to be offered by JD Bryant Followed by lords prayer The Lord's Prayer Our Father, which art in heaven,Hallowed be thy Name.Thy Kingdom come.Thy will be done in earth,As it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses,As we forgive them that trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,But deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom,The power, and the glory,For ever and ever.Amen.BILLY TO DISMISS AND INVITE THOSE TO STAY AND ENJOY FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS AND OFFERED PERSONAL MEMORIES OF JOHN.FINAL AND LAST SONG: PLEASE REMEMBER ME -