James David "J.D." Coogler Jr.

James David (J.D.) Coogler, Jr. passed away from his earthly life to eternal life on Saturday, February 24, 2024. He was 100 years and 6 months old.
In celebration of his life, visitation and funeral will be held at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM and memorial service at 2:00 PM. Dr. Fred Alford of Blanchard Baptist Church will officiate the service.
J.D. was born August 29, 1923 in Livingston, Texas to James D. Coogler, Sr. and Esther Harrison Coogler. As a centenarian, J.D. lived a life of wonderful times with his hometown of Livingston being his touchstone. J.D.'s childhood was idyllic, growing up with family, friends, and freedom. His family, extended family, and friends lived close together in downtown Livingston. From his neighborhood, he joined with other energetic boys to explore Polk County entertaining himself with the wonders of the woods and streams around Livingston. J.D. graduated from Livingston High School in 1941.
From an early age, J.D. aspired to become an architect. To this end, he attended Columbia Technical Institute earning a certificate in Architectural Drafting. At the age of 20, J.D. was drafted and served his country with valor during WWII as a flight engineer in the Army Air Corps (15th Air Force) in Italy aboard B-17s of the 483rd Bombardment Group. His missions were flown over areas of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Yugoslavia. J. D. was an inspiring part of the greatest generation.
Upon completing his years in the Army Air Corps, J.D. attended the University of Houston, receiving a degree in Architecture. He met the love of his life, Delia Parker in 1949 in Houston, Texas. J.D. and Delia married in 1949 and supported and loved each other for over 74 years. Through their union, J.D. and Dee were blessed with three sons; Keith, Bruce, and James.
J.D. supported his family by working as an architect during the week in Houston where the family made their home. His work life included many types of projects including commercial and residential buildings – houses, hospitals, churches, and schools. Most weekends were spent in Livingston where he and his family under J.D.'s direction built and rebuilt a house on Lake Livingston. He and Dee loved nature and created a place of beauty on the shore of the lake. To help his sons learn the natural world while growing up, J.D. was a leader in the YMCA Indian Guides. J.D. retired to Livingston and during this time he enjoyed family and friends by hosting many reunions and holidays on their beautiful lake property.
His love of history and keen memory contributed greatly to his tenure as part of the Polk County Historical Commission until his death. He was involved in the research that placed historical markers in significant Polk County places to enlighten others. J.D. made dear friends at the Historical Commission and his memory and dedication to preserving the history of Polk County serves an inspiration to many.
During his lifetime, J.D. was a member of the Blanchard Baptist Church, American Institute of Architecture (AIA) - Emeritus, and the 483rd Bombardment Group (H) Association. J.D. was honored by being named Outstanding Polk County Citizen of the Year for 2023.
Left behind to cherish J.D.'s memory are:
Delia Nellene Coogler (wife), Keith L. Coogler (son) and wife Ginny, Jana Coogler (daughter-in-law), Allen R. Coogler (brother). Grandchildren: Amanda Lee Coogler and fiancé Tim Flowers, Chelsea Marie Coogler and fiancé Colin Adams, Madeline Coogler Mooney and husband Jonathan, Blake Andrew Coogler and wife Candise, Heidi Coogler VanGansbeke and husband Brett, Shelley Coogler Moe, Sylvia Coogler Girard and husband Cory. Great-grandchildren: Davis, Logan, Ivan, Whitten, Wesley, Stella, Harrison, Wyatt, and Evie.
J.D. was preceded in death by:
James D. Coogler, Sr. and wife Esther (parents), Elaine Coogler Smith (sister), James Parker Coogler (son), Lloyd Bruce Coogler (son), Sidney K. Smith (brother-in-law), and Vicki R. Coogler (sister-in-law).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Blanchard Baptist Church, the Polk County Memorial Museum, or any foundation of your choice.