CRESTLINE: John Cooper absolutely loved sports—any sport you can think of! Whether it was basketball, baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, or even those rare ones that pop up only once every four years, he was totally into it. His competitive streak was strong, but what really made him special was his friendly, approachable nature that hid just how fierce his spirit could be. John was a larger-than-life guy with a huge heart and a great sense of humor, always ready to share a laugh and connect with others.

John passed into the Lord’s care Sunday morning – Easter morning – April 20, 2025 from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He was 61.

John was born on July 25, 1963, in Mansfield to John E. Cooper, Sr. and Marie E. (Moser) Cooper. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1981 and then went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Ohio State University in 1985. After college, he jumped into teaching math and coaching — sharing his passion for sports and education. He taught high school math and was the head varsity basketball and baseball coach for Danbury Local Schools in Lakeside and Marblehead. One of his proudest achievements was transforming a struggling basketball program into a Division Championship team that was undefeated in the conference!

In 1998, he began teaching high school math and spent three years coaching the varsity basketball team at Northmor High School.

He taught math at Pioneer Career and Technology Center in Shelby from 2001 to 2022, and for seven years, he also enjoyed coaching basketball as an assistant coach at Shelby High School.

Coaching was his life – first for others’ kids – and then his own.

When John and his wife had their own children, he eagerly channeled his coaching passion into supporting them. Every sport the Y offered, the kids took, and John ended up coaching each team. John was a dad who was truly there—always making the effort to learn all the sports the kids loved. He could get pretty intense at times, but he never missed a thing for his children, always showing up with his heart in the right place.

He’ll always be remembered as a loving father, caring uncle, and devoted son with a great sense of humor—just ask about his terrible dad jokes, the epic Nerf gun battles on the second floor at Pioneer, or how tickled he’d get over his own jokes. He left behind a wonderful legacy as a fun and beloved teacher who truly made a difference in his students’ lives!

He was a member of Core Community Church in Shelby. He really enjoyed spending time out on the golf course whenever he got the chance. John had this incredible knack for reading greens and sinking those perfect putts—made it look so easy! He also had a true talent for swinging the club with a graceful yet powerful motion, effortlessly hitting far shots with great accuracy. He approached the game with a thoughtful and strategic attitude, always knowing just the right move to make at the perfect moment.

He is survived by his wife Susan (Martin) Cooper, whom he married December 9, 2006; their children John Edward “JC” Cooper, III, Alyse MacKenzie Cooper (whom he called Princess P); sister Cheryl (Bob) Urban of New Philadelphia; nephew and nieces Curt (Charlotte) Urban of Indianapolis, Indiana, Amanda (Ian) Butters and Kristie (Joey) Brown all of Dublin; Aunt Mary Lou Wells of Longwood, Florida, Father-in-law William Martin of Fredericktown, Mother-in-law Carolyn (Todd) Martin of Mansfield; sister-in-law Tammy (Steve) Comegy of Bonegap, Illinois, and brother-in-law William (Laurie) Martin of Shelby.

He was preceded in death by his mother and his father.

John was passionate about The Ohio State Buckeyes and any Cleveland sports team. To honor his passions, we’d love for you to wear your favorite OSU, Cleveland Indians, Browns, or Cavaliers gear. Join us in celebrating his life with his family this Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, located at 2553 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield. We’ll spend some time sharing memories and stories, and then at 1 p.m., Pastor Ben Carver will lead a joyful celebration of his life. The day will close with a burial at Lexington Cemetery, where John’s family invites John Cooper Nation to join in a special helmet ceremony to honor him.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to help support John’s children’s education by making a contribution in his memory. Please make checks payable to Susan Cooper.

Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cooper family. Share a message of support with them – and watch John’s tribute video – online at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/John-E-Cooper-Jr?obId=42136446#/obituaryInfo