Jerome G. Cooper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerome G. Cooper
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J. Gary Cooper as a Marine Corps Major General
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| Birth name | Jerome Gary Cooper |
| Born | October 2, 1936 Lafayette, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 27, 2024 (aged 87) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marines |
| Years of service | 1958–1989 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Bronze Star Purple Heart (2) Legion of Merit Gallantry Cross (South Vietnam) |
Jerome Gary Cooper (born October 2, 1936 – died April 27, 2024) was an important leader in the United States Marine Corps. He also worked for the government as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. Later, he became the United States Ambassador to Jamaica, representing his country.
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Jerome Cooper's Early Life and Education
Jerome Gary Cooper was born on October 2, 1936, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and finished high school in 1954. After high school, he went to the University of Notre Dame. In 1958, he earned a degree in finance.
Military Service and Achievements
After college, Cooper joined the United States Marine Corps. He was an officer and served during the Vietnam War. He made history by becoming the first African American to lead a Marine Corps company of soldiers.
During his time in the Marine Corps, he received many important awards. These included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. He also received two Purple Hearts, which are given to soldiers who are wounded in battle. He earned three Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses as well.
In 1970, Cooper left active duty in the Marine Corps. However, he continued to serve as a major in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
Public Service and Government Roles
After leaving active military service, Cooper worked in his family's insurance and funeral home business in Mobile, Alabama. In 1973, he was elected to the Alabama Legislature, helping to make laws for his state.
In 1978, the Governor of Alabama asked Cooper to join his team. Cooper became the Commissioner of the Alabama State Department of Human Resources. This role meant he helped manage programs that support people in need.
In 1988, Cooper returned to full-time service in the Marine Corps. He was promoted to major general. He became the director of personnel at the main office for the Marine Corps.
He retired from the Marine Corps in 1989. Soon after, President of the United States George H. W. Bush chose Cooper for a big job. He became the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower & Reserve Affairs. In this role, he helped plan important events like the Gulf War.
Ambassador to Jamaica
In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed Cooper as the United States Ambassador to Jamaica. This meant he was the top representative for the U.S. in Jamaica. He worked to build good relationships between the two countries. He served as ambassador until 1997.
Later Career and Family
After his time as ambassador, Cooper returned to Mobile, Alabama. He became the CEO of Commonwealth National Bank. He also served on the boards of directors for several large companies.
Family Life
Jerome Cooper was the son of Algernon Johnson Cooper Sr. and Gladys Catherine (Mouton) Cooper. He was a Catholic. His family was special because three generations of African Americans from his family attended Notre Dame University.
His siblings also achieved great things. His brother, Algernon J. Cooper Jr., was one of the first Black mayors in the United States. His sister, Peggy Cooper Cafritz, was a well-known civil rights activist.
Jerome Cooper had one son and two daughters. He passed away on April 27, 2024, at the age of 87.
