My heart goes out to the family and friends of Jon. He was such a great man. He was a wonderful story teller and he had so many that would come up to make conversation come alive. Or just little nuggets of wisdom. He was so adventurous in life. And he was someone who really helped me believe in what I was doing musically. Having him cheer me on was deeply helpful. I’m so grateful. Knowing what a mentor he was to so many violin makers and knowing that he lives on in that way is comforting. And in the beautiful music played on his instruments. I cherish that I got to spend some time with him on earth and I imagine his spirit is flying free and cheering us all on and watching over us and even guiding us if we ask for it. Thank you, Jon!

Back in 86 a fellow sailor gave me a violin, he said "here God told me to give this to you" (it was a broken violin) "Thanks?". I went to the phone book, Mr Cooper said sure bring it over. He didn't say at the time that it wasn't worth the trouble but asked me what I did, I told him I was a model ship builder on weekends for The Laughing Whale, a store in Bath. Mr  Cooper said " you could build a violin and I'm gonna help". So for about 2 decades he reviewed my violins providing plenty of constructive criticism.   I would from time to time encounter experts in the subject who let me know what a special privilege I was given. Recently I began writing a fantasy adventure story about a violin makers apprentice involving wars, mystical knights, dragons and pirates. I had hoped to present it to Mr. Cooper, i will greatly miss that. He was a very special violin maker.

Like many others I am saddened by Jon's passing. We've lost a real mensch. Here, his memory is strong in every stroke of the bow, and that's the blessing.  My condolences to his family.   - Andy

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Jonathan Gelula Cooper

May 17, 1950 – September 7, 2026

Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home

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