Jerry Thomas Cooper
July 5, 1947 ~ December 12, 2021
Jerry Thomas Cooper, 74, resident of Beech Grove, Indiana passed away suddenly at his residence on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Jerry was born on July 5, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Alfred Thomas Cooper and Katherine Lucille (Spurling) Cooper. Jerry graduated from George Washington High School in the class of 1965. He went on to attend Indiana Central College and graduated from the FBI Academy.
Jerry retired from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in October of 1999 as the Colonel and Executive Officer after 31 years of dedicated service. Jerry began working for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in 1969. While there he served his community in many different roles beginning as a Deputy in the Jail Division 1969-1970, and then as a Deputy in the Law Enforcement Division (Road Patrol) 1970-1972. He went on to the rank of Sergeant in the Law Enforcement Division 1972-1977. Jerry served as a Lieutenant in the Law Enforcement Division 1977-1982 and as a Lieutenant in the Investigation Division 1982-1987. He was a Captain in the Investigation Division 1987-1989. Jerry went on to serve as Deputy Chief Commander of the Jail Division 1989-1992 and the Deputy Chief of the Investigation Division 1992-1995.
Jerry also served as the Director of Security for The Indianapolis Colts from 1993-1999. He was the proud Owner of J. Cooper Inc., 1990-1999 and Cooper Trucking 1999-2005.
Jerry’s memberships and involvement with the community were as vast as his career with the Sheriff’s Department. He was a Member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 86 where he was a past Executive Board Member. A two-time kidney transplant recipient, Jerry was a Past President of The National Kidney Foundation of Indiana. He served on the Executive Board for O.A.R (Offender Aid and Restoration) and was a past President of the Keenan/Stahl Boys and Girls Club. He was a 4th degree Knight in The Knights of Columbus, Bishop Chatard Assembly. Jerry also was a member of The Diamond Club for The University of Cincinnati’s baseball program, as well as The Greyhound Club for The University of Indianapolis. He was an active member of all three Beech Grove posts for The Fraternal Order of Eagles, The American Legion, and The Fraternal Order of the Moose Lodge. Jerry was a devoted member of St. Roch Catholic Church. He was also a past volunteer at The Indianapolis Zoo, specifically the Orangutan Exhibit.
Survivors include his children and their spouses, Keith (Denise) Cooper, Darlene (Kevin) Hawk, Amy (Kevin) Kendall, and Stacy (Mike) O’Gara; his grandchildren and their spouses, Courtney (Chris) Swift, Tom (Brittany) Cooper, Colin (Katelyn) Hawk, Austin O’Gara, Kaitlyn (Blake) Ward, Kelsey Kendall, Reagan O’Gara, and Braeden Cooper; his step-grandchildren, Megan Hawk, Kevin (Sara) Hawk, Samantha (Erynn) Story, Lindsey (Jeremy) Willey, and Ryan (Hannah) Kendall; his great grandchildren, Jeremiah Swift, Rory Cooper, and Presley Ward; his step great grandchildren, Brylee Willey, Brody Willey, Ava Sallier, Alena Sallier, Sophia Hawk, Stella Hawk, Landyn Kendall and Makenna Kendall; his sister, Brenda (Mike) Turk; his step father, Donald Keith; his best friend ever and loyal canine companion, Rebel; a host of extended family members, friends, and colleagues.
Jerry’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 2 to 8 p.m., at the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. Additional Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at the funeral home, 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Prayers will be said at 10:30 AM Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., in St. Roch Catholic Church. Burial will follow at West Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police Scholarship Fund or The Greyhound Club; envelopes for both entities will be provided at the funeral home Wednesday evening. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one who gets the people to do the greatest things.” – President Ronald Reagan…. Col. Jerry T. Cooper was a great leader, because he fully understood the job of everyone he trained, supervised and managed. Jerry helped identify the best candidates for the good of our department and our community. He not only conveyed the “how” of an assigned task, but also the “why.” Sometimes gruffly, but he communicated the mission clearly. Jerry expected a lot from colleagues, but no more than he expected from himself. Jerry’s leadership skills helped make our Marion County Sheriff’s Department among the best–if not THE best–in our nation. But more important, Jerry’s efforts to get people to do great things helped make Indianapolis–at the time–one of the safest large cities in America…. Former Col. Scott Minier, Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Indianapolis, Indiana
My friend Jerry T. Cooper,where to start?? I knew Coop from high school even though he was two years ahead of me,and I attended Nortwest H.S. while he went to Washington H.S. We became immediate friends that lasted till his death Sunday,56 years!! When I joined MCSD after Viet Nam he also became my mentor. Every move I made from the Jail Division until I retired while assigned to Homicide & Robbery,I always checked with Jerry to make sure it was the right move for me. He was never wrong with his advise. The best time was when we were working undercover in Narcotics. He was my Lt. and didn’t have to go on the streets,but he got a hold of a Harley and rode with me as my backup as I made UC buys. He always had my back,and I hope I always had his. Friends and leaders like Jerry don’t come around very often,but when they do they are a lifetime gift to us. I’ve lived in Florida since I retired in 2002,but we stayed in touch with calls,txt,Facebook with my wife,(one of Jerry’s bitches, I don’t face book),and visits for beers when I got back to Indy. He stayed in constant contact when I was fighting cancer,and kept Kathy and myself strong with his can do attitude. I miss him already!!! To all his “BITCHES” out there,you know who you are,Jerry is still watching over you!! Jerry,you fought the good fight now RIP. As we always ended our conversations, I LOVE YOU MAN!!! Retired Det./ Sgt. David J. Scott
Thoughts and Prayers. BIG DAD
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Your time here on earth touched many lives and hearts, my dear friend. We now need to share with others what we learned from you–your giving of your time to guide others, your leadership in all walks of life—Nancy Clinton
Always our Brother.
Thoughts and Prayers Atwell Families
Stacy, Mike, Austin, and Raegan, We send our sympathies and prayers for the loss of Jerry. May God keep you and bless all of you. The Roncalli Rebels Boys XC Team
We are grateful to be included as an honorary member of the family — and to have our boys know him as “Poppy”. May he rest in peace! The Donovan Family
Long before Coop had babies, Gandbabies, and Great Grandbabies, he entered my life when I was about 12-13 years old. He was the big brother I never had. He ALWAYS took so much pride in those (like even me) that he mentored. While he was coaching me in Little League, I once pitched a no-hitter. I didn’t even know it until after the game. Heck I probably walked 10 or 12 guys, but that didn’t mater to “Coach”. He ran to meet me coming off the mound to meet me, “How’s it feel to pitch a no-hitter!” He was more proud than me. A man of so much pride, but always in others! Rest easy my Brother! See ya again soon…ߘ¢
I’ve known Jerry for over 60 years both professionally and friend wise. I am devastated by his passing. There aren’t enough words to describe my friend. Will miss our conversations. Reb was his favorite. Rest In Peace my friend, until we meet again.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Worked together several years with Jerry, he was a great guy, friend, and deputy. May he Rest In Peace!
With heartfelt condolences and lots of love, your team at MatrixCare – Jessica, David, Amit, Barrett, Chirag, Andy, Deepak, Paige and Subash
Jerry was my boss for several years. As many have said, what a tremendous guy he was. Gruff, direct, mildly profane if needed, but a fantastic leader who I learned so much from. He supported his team and if he kicked you out of his office you knew you were OK. But underneath it all, away from MCSD he was a warm, loving guy – you just would never tell him that! RIP Jerry and thanks for helping me along the way.
With heartfelt condolences,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Courtney. May your heart find peace and comfort.
Jerry and my husband, Dave Chalfant, went on the department at the same time. They attended the academy at the same time. Actually they drove together so Jerry wouldn’t be late! Jeannie and I raised our children together and when we moved to the Southside they followed shortly. Our friendship was removed from the Sheriff’s Dept. for the most part We vacationed together and spent a lot of time at the horse races. Jerry always said Dave was the brother he never had. My kids always referred to him as Uncle Jerry. Jerry could be a pain in the butt at times but we loved him all the more for it. Dave and Vicki Chalfant
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
WHERE DO I START? YOU WERE LIKE A SECOND DAD TO ME! Most were afraid of you but really you were a big teddy bear! Maybe it’s because Darlene and I were roommates? Your love for your family was bigger than anything! Your wisdom of law enforcement and commitment to the department will always be something I will remember. Thank you for being you! Thank you for having a hand in hiring me! Thank you for believing in me!! I will certainly miss you! Until we see each other again!! Love ya second Daddy! Connie Mason Etter
Well said Mike!!!
David I know he loved you like a brother! Prayers to you! Connie Mason Etter
Those we love don’t go away, they fly beside us everyday, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved , still missed and very dear.
So sorry to hear the news of the passing of my good friend and neighbor Jerry Cooper . Our thoughts and prayers and condolences go out to his wonderful family. Jerry thank you for your friendship over the years and being such a wonderful neighbor . Rest in peace my friend , God bless you and Family , Ed Hamilton and family .
Virgil Vandagriff Eeryone knew Jerry and Reb. Jerry was a great deputy, great man and his family came first. Well I left out that little dog that was his boss. My prayers go out to the family. You and everyone lost a great one. We will meet again. Rest in peace.
Just found out about Jerry’s passing. I’m so sorry to hear this. He was my boss at MCSD in the 80’s-90’s. He was a great guy. God be with his family and may he rest in peace eternally.