James L. Cooney, Jr. Print E-mail

James L. Cooney, Jr.

 

 

James L. Cooney Junior passed away on February 20, 2022.  Until Alzheimer’s Disease took him, he led a life full of family, friendships, and fun.  Last week, Jim and his wife Susan (Marion) celebrated 53 years of marriage during which they raised four daughters, Carolyn Bartholdson, Beth Lasher, Megan Worley and Maura Graham.  Jim hit the jackpot when he met Susan and his longevity after his diagnosis was thanks to her care and devotion.


Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on April 7, 1945, Jim was a proud – and distinguished alumnus – of the Immaculate Conception School and Keith Academy.  He remained in Lowell for the majority of his life and Lowell is where he grew the business his father began there in 1946.  Jim led the James L. Cooney Insurance and Real Estate Agency as President until 2015.

Jim was the oldest child and only son of James L. Cooney Senior and Bernice (Devine) Cooney.  He was known for keeping them on their toes.  While his mischievousness defined his youth, his loyalty and commitment were hallmarks of his adulthood.  He would have done anything for his three sisters and their families, the late Mary Pietryka and her husband John, Anne O’Brien and her late husband Pat and Katie Barry and her husband Brian.  Once he married Susan, he felt the same for his sister-in-law Judi Harness and her late husband Bill and their family.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Jim leaves behind seven grandchildren whom he adored: Anders Bartholdson, Michael Bartholdson, Luke Worley, Gemma Worley, James Graham, Evie Bartholdson and Georgia Graham.   They all inherited Jim’s character, sense of humor and love of ice cream.   Jim warmly embraced his sons-in-law, welcome additions to his female-centered world and he loved his nieces and nephews like they were his own children.

Jim was known for rallying.  He would always be up for a good time and was always game to try anything once.  His family and friends have lists of vacations and experiences they would never have had if Jim hadn’t made them happen.  His home had an open door and he never shied away from a houseguest.

Jim learned to ski from his wife and became a lifelong fan of the sport.  He passed on his love for the slopes to all of his children and grandchildren.  They all have many happy memories skiing together in Quechee, Vermont.  In addition, he looked forward to an annual Colorado ski trip with his friends which doubled as a great excuse to visit his daughter, Beth.

Jim had a generous spirit and was wired to help folks who needed a lift.  He was the person to call if you need a few bucks, a place to stay, or a job.  The Cooney Agencies launched many careers.

There was no one prouder of being from Lowell than Jim.  He was an active member of his community and held many leadership positions in civic organizations, clubs, and schools.  

Jim’s family wants to thank the staff at the Arbors in Dracut and Sunny Acres in Chelmsford who provided Jim with love, support, and care during the last years of his life.  

A lifelong parishioner and supporter of the Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell, Jim forged many friendships with the pastors through the years.  Beginning with his days as an altar boy, Jim loved the Immaculate and it is fitting that his wake and funeral will be held there on Saturday, February 26.  

Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Visitation to be held Saturday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 144 EAST MERRIMACK ST. in LOWELL from 9 to 10:45 A.M. followed by his Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 o’clock. The family has requested that all attendees please bring and wear a mask upon entrance into the church for the calling hours and Mass. His burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in No. Tewksbury. Arrangements by O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME-LOWELL (978) 458-8768.

E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Immaculate Conception Church Restoration Fund, 3 Fayette Street, Lowell, MA 01852 or the family’s team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Northeastern Massachusetts through the following link: http://act.alz.org/goto/jimcooney.

Condolences (18)
  • Susan McGrath  - Rest in Peace
    Susan, I had the pleasure of meeting Jim and you when I would visit with my uncle, Conrad Dupont, at the Arbors in Dracut. I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing and send my deepest condolences to you and your family.
  • Ken Onyechi
    To Mrs. Barry: I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother. Though I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cooney, I heard good things about him. It’s unfortunate his warm presence departed the world this soon. May Jim’s memory and spirit be an eternal blessing. Healing and peace to you, God bless. Regards, Ken O.
  • Mark Vincenzes
    Susan and family, Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a good neighbor. Rest in Peace, Jim -mark v
  • Ethel M Dobbin
    Susie I’m so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was such a kind and welcoming person to all our family from the very first time we met at Jay’s and Bobby’s. I remember all the wonderful times we had at your place in Vermont. Jimmy will never be far from your side I’m sure, as he looks down with the angels on you and your girls. God bless you all and R.I.P Jimmy. How he lived hisK life was an example to us all.Much love.
  • Pat and Dennis Brennan  - Rest in the arms of the Lord,Jim!
    Susan: Our deepest condolences to you and the family. Spending time with Jim was always a delight. He was the favorite as the youngest of the cousins. Unfortunately we won’t make the service as we are out of the country. Love to you all!
  • Phyllis Meehan Sachar  - Wonderful person
    As a good friend of his sister Mary, I have fond memories of Jimmy and my time spent with the Cooney family. Susan and family, I am sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Jimmy.
  • Debbie Grimshaw  - Thank you
    Little did I know when I started working at Cooney Insurance Agency, part-time while still in high school that this would become my lifetime career. Under Jim's guidance I was able to learn all areas of insurance and he would always encourage me to do better and achieve more. For this I am eternally grateful. My sincere condolences to the entire Cooney Family. Jim will be truly missed.
  • Anne-Marie Sousa  - Forever a Part of our Family
    Susan, please know how much Jim, and you, have been missed! Your selfless dedication is such a testimony to your 53 years of love. You are in our thoughts and will always be a part of The Arbors family. With much love and our deepest sympathy.
  • Jim Reynolds  - So sorry to hear about Jimmy
    Susan and Family, I was so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I know that he had not been well these past few years. He was a terrific friend to my brothers Barry and Terry Paletta. My wife Ginny and I will also always remember the time Jimmy came to Rochester for the Ryder Cup in 1995. He stayed with us on Thursday and Friday, and then left us with tickets for the Saturday and Sunday rounds. We still have great memories of that weekend, and cannot think of it without thinking of Jimmy and his generosity. Such a great guy, and I know that you all will miss him dearly. With love, Jim Reynolds
  • Harlan Levey  - Rest in Peace
    I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the family, the friends and the broader community impacted by this loss. May he rest in peace and may the legacy of his character and contributions to the world be long lived.
  • Robert & joanne hatem  - RIP Friend
    Susan and the Cooney family. Although miles have separated us in recent years the memories our neighborhood, parish VCC and Lowell have kept Jim Cooney very much in mind. Please accept the prayers and heartfelt condolences of the Hatem family.Jim wll always be remembered for a life well lived.
  • John and Paul Hutchinson  - Very sad
    We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family. We knew Jimmy as childhood friends.
  • Sharon Cushing Barry  - A role model for all.
    Susan, Katie and the entire wonderful Cooney family, I send my sincere sympathies to all of you. You have a glowing family and Jim was truly the perfect patriach. I know my late husband Steve admired his spirit, his humanity and his love of humankind. Jim was a great gift to all who met him. Love Sharon
  • John and Paul Hutchinson  - Childhood acquaintances
    We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family. We knew him as childhood friends.
  • Ann Marie & Danny Alves
    Susan, so sorry for your loss . It was a pleasure being apart of the Cooney team all those years I worked for Jim. Condolences to you and your family.He was a great guy♥️
  • Hope Saunders  - Rest In Peace
    Susan I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember how wonderful both you and Jim were to me in Lowell. And Jim was like a son to my father. Especially at the end. Love Hope
  • Barbara Sayer  - Rest in Peace
    My sincere condolence to you and your family. Jim was such a good and kind person. I will remember him always. Rest in Peace Jim
  • Noreen and Bruce MacDonald  - Rest in Peace, Jim.
    Our sincere condolence to Susan and family in your loss. Jim was such an incredible man. Polished, professional with a heart giving heart. God Bless, and Rest in Peace, Jim.
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