John Joseph Cooney Jr.

On July 11, 2023, John Joseph Cooney Jr., affectionately known as Jack, died peacefully in his sleep, following an extended battle with lung cancer.

Jack Cooney was born on May 17, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of John and Ruth Cooney, an affluent couple of Irish and English descent. His parents preceded him in death, followed by his only sister, Marilyn, whom he adored.

Jack received a Catholic education at Mount Alvernia Academy, followed by St. Sebastian's High School, where he played a variety of sports from baseball with the Waban Chiefs, to Varsity basketball. Jack also excelled in golf, winning several high school championships and three "Father and Son Tournaments" with his Dad at Charles River Country Club in Newton MA, where they were both members.

Jack attended Georgetown University under the ROTC program and attended one year at Suffolk Law School when the Vietnam War called him to duty in 1965. He was a Captain in the Air Force, and stationed in Greece defending US assets in the region. Captain Cooney also spent time in Germany rewriting job manuals on how to improve US Security.

Upon his honorable discharge, he opted out of continuing law school and worked for several advertising firms, specializing in automobiles like Mazda and Volkswagen. In 1990, he left a secure job in mid-career and took an unknown risk to help with the Lexus launch. Lexus was totally unknown luxury brand at the time, competing with Mercedes, BMW, and Cadillac. His ads helped Lexus sales take off immediately, and overcome the competition to become the #1 Luxury brand.

Jack is survived by a step-daughter and a step-son, 7 nieces and nephews, 19 grand nephews and nieces, and 6 great-great nieces and nephews, who all love him dearly.

To quote Jack, "I admire people who are able to manage adversity in their lives in a positive way resulting in a great example for others to follow. I'm grateful to have seen/experienced it in my family and personal and business relationships. God winks are everywhere to influence us."

Rest in Peace Jack.

There will be a Life Celebration for Jack in Plymouth, followed by an official military burial, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne MA. There will also be a small separate service in Atlanta, for his southern friends. Check legacy.com for updated information regarding services.