Col. (Ret.) Jacob L. Cooper

He was born in Ilion, NY on January 28th,1924 to Charles and Ruth Cooper, who both immigrated from the Netherlands in 1911 and 1912, respectively. He was the 5th child of 8 siblings.

Col. Cooper was a 1941 graduate of Ilion High School. In August of 1942, he was sworn into the United States Army Air Force. After completing nine months of flight training, on November 3rd, 1943, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and awarded his Silver Pilot Wings.

He became a fighter pilot and joined the 493rd Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Group, a part of the 9th Air Force in the European Theater of Operations.

During the war, he flew the P-47 Thunderbolt, completing a total of 98 missions. He earned several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with fifteen Oak Clusters.

He received the former for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while leading a squadron of eight planes in an attack on a column of enemy trucks and tanks, returning alone despite intense anti- aircraft fire to make numerous strafing passes, with telling effect, until his ammunition was exhausted.

Following the war, he remained in the Air Force Reserves and worked at Remington Arms factory back in Ilion, NY.

He was married to the late Marion L. Cooper (Day) of Ilion, NY from July 1946 until her death in 1978. They had two sons, James (Jim) and Scott Cooper.

Col. Cooper was called back to active duty in 1953, and the military family moved frequently during this time. He was stationed in Duluth, MN, Anchorage, AK, Syracuse, NY, North Bay, Ontario, Canada, and Newburgh, NY, where he retired after over 28 years of service and then returned to Ilion, NY.

He later went on to marry the late Sophia Castimore and moved to Cheektowaga, NY, where he resided until her passing.

During his retirement, he organized reunions for his fellow members of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from World War II. They met every other year for several years. He compiled and edited a 290 page book called “The 493rd Fighter Squadron in World War II”, as well as wrote an autobiography and a book about his parents’ lives and their heritage.

He was an avid golfer, gardener, and a regular spectator at his granddaughters’ sporting events.

In recent years, he traveled to local clubs and senior facilities to give talks about his experience in the war.

Col. Cooper is survived by his two sons, James (Jim) and Scott, his daughter-in-law, Maria Cooper, three granddaughters, Amy, Megan, and Allison Cooper, as well as many nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and nieces.

Though he never sought recognition, Col. Cooper’s impact has been profound. Beloved by many and devoted to his service in the Air Force, he leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, inspiration, and unwavering dedication. In the eyes of his family, who love him dearly, he was truly a hero, whose legacy will live on through them.

Relatives and friends may visit DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY 14051 on Wednesday (January 7th, 2026) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A prayer service will immediately follow at 8:00 p.m. A funeral ceremony will be held in Ilion, NY in the spring, where he will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.