Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1951 Lucky Bag:

John Watson Cooper

“Coop” came to Navy Tech very early in our Plebe Summer from Bobbinsdale, Minn., one of Minneapolis’s suburbs … he is popular with his fellow classmates and is noted for his constantly happy countenance . . . Coop’s interests are many but chiefly he is interested in good books (particularly histories) and is an avid admirer of classical music … his interest in nature and birds made him one of those early Sunday morning risers that took excursions into the wilds of Maryland . . . this is a carry-over of his Eagle Scouting which he left behind when he gave up civilian life . . . there is no doubt that “Coop” will succeed out in the fleet … he will go a long way.

Loss

Coop was lost when his T-33 jet trainer crashed in a thunderstorm near Centralia, Kansas, on August 18, 1952.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

An Eagle Scout, John graduated in 1946 from Robbinsdale High School where he was president of the senior class. The yearbook said he “spends all of his spare time creating those 56th century creations. Black curly hair covers the brain which thinks football, music, and women all need improvement!” “All the senior ballots went his way; So he will pilot us through to Commencement Day.” Track Captain 3; Football Letter Winner 1-2-3 (played guard); Basketball “B” 2; Track Letter Winner (440 and relay) 1-2-3; Boxing 1; Sec. “R” Club 3; “Robin” yearbook make-up editor 3; National Honor 3; All Year Honor Roll 2; Prom Comm. 2; Student Council 3; Class Pres. 3.

He was scheduled to receive his pilot’s wings on September 15.

His father Edwin was superintendent of the Robbinsdale schools, and his uncle Harry was Minneapolis assistant superintendent of schools in charge of secondary education.

He was also survived by his mother; two sisters, Mrs. William Blueher and Mrs. Charles W. Johnson; a brother, T/Sgt. Edwin J., Jr., Fort Dix, N. J.; and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Cooper.

John is buried in Minnesota.

Photographs

From his high school yearbook