John R. Cooper

John Cooper passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, after a fall at home. John, known as Jack, was born in a taxicab in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1932. His parents were Irene Cooper and Reginald Cooper. In 1937, his father moved the family back to England, where he had been born. World War II broke out and so the family had to remain there until it was over. In 1946, the family returned to North America on a Norwegian steamer.

The family landed in Florida, where the first thing he had to drink was a chocolate soda, especially memorable after years of wartime deprivation. They settled in Toronto for a few years, and when his father was working for Corning Glass, moved to Corning, New York, where Jack finished high school. He then attended college in Albany at what later became SUNY Albany, and afterwards joined the US Army, and became a US citizen while stationed in Germany. On his return to the states, he entered Yale University where he earned his PhD in English and taught classes. His first teaching job was at the University of Chicago, where he published his first book, The Art of the Complete Angler. It was there that he met his wife, Patricia Jones. They had a son, Matthew, in 1967, and soon after moved to Oregon where Jack taught at Reed College. Their daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1969.

His children and grandchild were very dear to him and he lit up with happiness whenever he could spend time with them. In turn, his children and granddaughter Samantha adored their father and grandad. It was a mutual admiration society.

Jack moved to Portland State University to teach English, especially poetry, comedy, and Shakespeare. During that time, he and Patricia were divorced. He later married Terry Ann Rohe, a librarian at PSU. Jack served as President of the Faculty Senate and also as President of the Inter-Institutional Faculty Senate for the Oregon University system. He was head of the English department and received the Hoffman Award for Faculty Excellence in 1997. He retired at the end of 1999 but continued to teach for several years.

Jack was particularly interested in rhythm and meter in poetry and spoke at in international conference on those subjects in Germany in 1998. In retirement his book, Wit’s Voices, was published, as well as an academic article.

Jack took full advantage of the joys of living in Oregon, and was an active hiker, cross-country skier, and runner. He loved the outdoors, and his children have many fond memories of trips to the coast and to the mountains. He stayed active throughout his life until the end, and he and his wife walked every day.

He volunteered as a speaker for the Oregon Food Bank and drove for Meals on Wheels. He was member of the Multnomah Athletic Club, the Elizabethan Society of Yale, the Ferdinand Society, and the retirement Association of PSU, where he won the award for outstanding retired faculty member.

Terry and Jack had a very happy marriage and many good years together. Even though he had several major health problems over the years, he always kept his good humor, and with the help of his good doctors, prevailed over his illnesses.

John is survived by his wife Terry, his son Matthew and daughter-in-law Minnie, his daughter Jenna, grand-daughter Samantha, sister-in-law Nell Cooper, nephews Tim and Chris and their families, cousins Charles and Heather Ireland, and a host of loving friends.

The family would like to recognize and thank the incredible staff at Emmanuel Hospital’s NTICU for their care, their guidance, and their sincere concern for Jack.

Donations in his name may be made to the Oregon Food Bank or the PSU English Department through the PSU Foundation.

A small, traditional Episcopal memorial service is being held at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church. A larger celebration of life will be held later this summer or fall, 2021.

Please sign the online guest book at

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