I move to San Diego in 1972. In the intervening years,  I can't recall just how many times I walked up El Cajon Blvd from 30th Street, going to the library, or to my brother's place on Florida Street. I recall so many times seeing Mr. Cooley waving at folks through the window. Sure wish that I had gone in...just once. God Bless You, Jim. You spread joy, peace and the love of your museum to everyone who passed by your windows...especially to this introverted little kid. Thank you, just for BEing you!

This note is long overdue.  As a fellow fan of local history, as well as model railroading, Jim was a kindred soul.  But today I was remined of a fond memory that I thought I would share.   

A decade back, during one of the first times I had a detailed chat with Jim about local history and what not, two young boys and their dad came into the model train side of the shop.  They excitedly explored and finished up their transaction with Carmen - and as the left, starting with the youngest, all happily quipped "Bye Frank" as they left.  Jim's only replied "Good bye, come back soon", winking towards me.   Jim was one of a kind and is missed .... no matter what some might have called him!

  

After seeing this wonderful man on Ken Kramer, I said I would meet him one day. I’m sorry I didn’t get to. You were blessed to have him in your lives. I’m sure you blessed him as well.
Kari

Jim Cooley is much like those wonderful memories in the Frank the Trainman museum.  The moment you walked in, you were greeted by the sounds and memories from the merry-go-round pipe organ.  Sitting by the front window was Jim and Carman along with an open chair That sat as though they were joyfully waiting for you.   The museum was filled with memories of better-days-gone-by but kept alive through Jim.   Old typewriters, cars, photos, and trains adorned the museum.   The best memories were reserved for that old chair positioned in front of Jim.   If you asked for a story or shared a memory, Jim would entertain you for hours if you could share the time.   
Jim played baseball for the minor league Padres whose field was downtown overlooking the Star of India.   He shared that he didn’t actually play against other teams because he “couldn’t catch a ball, the ball would hit him in the nose if thrown right to him”.  But he could hit the ball like no one else.  If a pitcher wanted to try out for the team they had them pitch to Jim.  If they could strike out Jim during batting practice, that player made the team.   He was that good at hitting.  
His claim-to-fame was his love of old cars and model trains.  In the early days, when San Diego was young, he would haul away old model T Fords for his customers who were replacing them with new modern cars.  He said auto sellers did not have a trade in program and no wanted the old cars.   Jim lovingly restored them, donating many to charities and displaying others.  His trains were collected and displayed in many of San Diego’s founding fathers estate  homes.    Jim’s greatest legacy was to share his love and stories to children of all ages.   You will be missed but most certainly remembered by dear friend.  

I first met Jim in '06 when my son, then 4, and I sought out Frank the Trainman to acquire accessories for our new train set that Santa Claus had brought us. Throughout the years that followed we spent many pleasant hours in Jim's store and museum immersed in trains, cars, and conversation. Jim had incredible knowledge of not only his many collections, but of San Diego history as well. It was always a pleasure to see Jim and our lives have been enriched for having known him. Rest in Peace. 

I met Jim Cooley and his wife Carmen years ago when he came to the auto body shop we owned and talked about old cars for hours with us and one day he blessed us with a 50 Plymouth and we appreciated it so much...... Jim was a very humble man and loved antiques and very knowledgeable... may he RIP

I would frequently pass by the museum and see an elderly couple sitting inside. I decided to stop and go inside one day and WOW! What a great collection of cars and trains. I had a great conversation with Mr. Cooley about cars. What an enjoyable afternoon it was. 

Jim Cooley was an infinite source of knowledge and the way he would convey his life's experiences was just mesmerizing to me. He was so fascinating. I loved talking with him and now wish I had done so more than the handful of times I was able to. His museum is unbelievable; absolutely intriguing, and he knew so much about everything he kept there. He greeted every visitor personally, and you knew immediately he was an articulate, wise, and very unique man. I feel so sad today for his wife, and family and friends. It has to be such a tough time. I hope these words will bring a smile to their faces, so that they can put aside their sadness, if even for only a moment. Thank you, Mr. Cooley - you made a difference in my life and I know in many, many others as well. And I'm very glad I could share this. Thank you to everyone who read it.  -Bill Weikum   

OBITUARIO

James Cooley

28 febrero, 1936 – 6 octubre, 2019

Goodbody Mortuary

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios