John COOLER

This is added about 7 years after John Cooler's passing (2021). He was one of a few fabulous teachers who changed my life. I had Mr. Cooler for Botany as a Sophomore. He fanned a pre-existing interest and launched a career teaching in the biology and biochemistry. Proud to be a botanist, sensu lato, in part because of the inspiration of Mr. Cooler. Sorry I could not express the gratitude directly. I just retired after nearly 40 years of university teaching. I will continue to carry...

Jack Cooler was my Biology, Botany and Zoology instructor. He was easily my favorite teacher and the reason why I am a college biology professor. He had a way of inspiring students to do their best and enjoy what they are learning.

He was very funny and had key phrases that still stick with me 30 years later! I remember he told my parents I had "bull-dog tenacity" and that I was feisty. He would tell boys that were messing around that they were acting like monkeys on motorcycles. I...

Jack was my neighbor across the street when I lived on State St. Although he was four years older than I in 1955, we still hung out together.
I know of no finer person than Jack. Always looking on the bright side and happy go lucky.
He had a great life. Married his hometown sweetheart, had a great marriage, had a great teaching career, and most important, he and Mary Alice gave us two great daughters. No man could ask for more.

Springfield will miss Jack.

Jack Cooler was a neighbor to the Howarth family on South State Street. He was a generous "big brother" to the younger kids and a friend of the older ones. Rest in peace, dear Jack, fondly remembered by family, friends, and students.

A photo of him with his SHS science colleagues appears at
http://www.shs-58.org/capitoline/physical.html

If all teachers were like Mr. Cooler, then our education system would be unsurpassed. I, for one, am proud to be among his previous students. His dedication and determination in providing the best education is quite a testimonial. Jack Cooler will truly be missed by all those that knew him. Rest in peace.

Mary Alice, Alice & Joellyn: I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. What wonderful neighbor he was to my parents and to all of the rest of us, my grandchildren have the greatest memories of him. May the wonderful memories sustain you throught this very difficult time.

John Cooler was an outstanding teacher and a wonderful person. "The ramifications and repercussions" (his favorite phrase) of having taken his botany class at SHS in 1964 reverberated through subsequent educational and career paths for me.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.