Jerome Gary Cooper, former United States Ambassador to Jamaica and American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Director Emeritus, has died.
He died on April 27, 2024, on the age of 87. His dying marks the top of a outstanding journey characterised by army valor, public service, and philanthropy.
A historic army profession
A local of Cell, Alabama, Common Cooper launched into a distinguished profession marked by distinctive achievements. After incomes his B.S. diploma in Finance from the College of Notre Dame, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant within the Marine Corps in June 1958.
Common Cooper’s army service spanned 12 years of energetic responsibility, throughout which he commanded numerous models, together with the Marine Detachment aboard the Guided Missile Cruiser Chicago. Notably, he made historical past in 1967 as the primary Black officer within the Marine Corps to guide an infantry firm into fight, a feat enshrined within the annals of Marine Corps historical past.
Common Cooper’s valor in Vietnam earned him quite a few decorations, together with the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, thrice awarded. His army profession culminated together with his promotion to Main Common in 1988 earlier than retiring from energetic responsibility in 1996.
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Contributions to public service
Past his army service, Common Cooper distinguished himself in public service and diplomacy.
Elected to the Alabama Home of Representatives in 1974, he turned one of many first African Individuals from south Alabama to serve within the Legislature because the Reconstruction period. His tenure included a notable stint as Commissioner of the Alabama Division of Human Assets, the place he managed a considerable workers and price range.
President George H. W. Bush appointed Common Cooper as Assistant Secretary of the Air Pressure for Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations, and Atmosphere in 1989, a job he held all through the Bush administration.
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In 1994, President Invoice Clinton appointed him Ambassador to Jamaica, the place he served till December 1997.
Ambassador Cooper’s dedication to training and philanthropy was equally profound. He championed initiatives such because the Ambassador J. Gary Cooper Scholarship on the College of the West Indies, administered by the AFJ, which helps tertiary training for college kids yearly.
All through his life, Ambassador Cooper remained energetic in quite a few neighborhood organizations, together with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 100 Black Males of Higher Cell, and the NAACP, reflecting his dedication to service and advocacy.
Common Cooper leaves behind a legacy of braveness, management, and generosity. He’s survived by his spouse Beverly, three grownup youngsters, and 6 grandchildren, who carry ahead his legacy of service and dedication to others.
