Joseph Guy Cooper

Joseph “Joe” Cooper was the second youngest child born to Joseph Cooper and Thelma Cooper (née Sickles) on November 7, 1956, in Bremerton, WA. Joe participated in track and field, graduating Bremerton High School in 1975. That same year, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, becoming a security forces specialist and attained the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1979, serving at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT.

After the military, Joe was employed as federally-contracted security police officer at both Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, CA and Naval Submarine Base Bangor, WA from 1980–1990. In November, 1991, Joseph married his wife, Deborah. Joe then went onto becoming a clerical typist for several state agencies, ending with the Department of Corrections, ultimately with him becoming a correctional officer in 1994. His administrative and clerical research abilities led him to becoming temporarily assigned to the state capitol as a legislative liaison. Joe attained the rank of sergeant and ultimately retired as a lieutenant, serving most of this time at the Washington Correctional Center for Women (WCCW) in Gig Harbor, WA. Joe was responsible for a number of both administrative and tactical duties, including being a weapons and specialized munitions instructor, a member of the training cadre at the institution’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) academy, and even being trained in hostage negotiation. Joe was known to many as a great leader, mentor, and friend.

Joe was an avid reader, recommending and lending out his books to fellow readers. He also enjoyed the cinema and music, especially Elton John. He attended several Elton John concerts over his lifetime. He spent time hunting for chanterelle mushrooms and fishing for rainbow trout on the Kitsap Peninsula when time permitted with loved ones. He loved road trips with his family. He loved jokes and was known for having a “dad joke” at the ready. He was a loving father and grandfather, and during the pandemic era, he and his wife were essentially pre-school teachers to his grandson; he loved his “grandpa duties”.

He is survived by his wife and four children: Joanne Gillam (Justin) of Bremerton, WA; Caitlin Earl (C. Eric) of Bremerton, WA; Logan “Joseph” Cooper (Katherine) of Jamestown, ND; and Griffin Cooper-Steik (Keir) of Bremerton, WA. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Teagan and Emmett Earl. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Craig Cooper of Bremerton, WA; Lucille Polk of Gig Harbor, WA; Lauriane “Laurie” Skola of Bremerton, WA; Thelma “Yvonne” Linnabary of Sequim, WA; Betty Monson of Bremerton, WA; and Patrick Cooper of Bremerton, WA. He is predeceased by his parents and his eldest brother, Allen “Coop” Cooper.

Joe departed this world peacefully at home on April 14, 2025, after more than a two-year battle with ALS, commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”. His memorial service will be private and shared with immediate family. In lieu of condolences, donations can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) or any disabled veterans and/or ALS research organization of your choice.