Walter James Cooney

January 4,1927 to July 27, 2023

Jim Cooney passed away at the age of 96 while residing in Bayside, Wisconsin. He was born in Niles, Michigan, the son of Catherine (McGuiness) and Walter Cooney.

He graduated from Niles High School in 1945 and then proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during WWII. In 1951 he married Betty Hinkle and they celebrated 70 years of marriage before her death in 2021. As a graduate of South Bend College of Commerce in Business, he went to work for the Bendix Corporation in South Bend, Indiana and then in Jackson, Tennessee and completed his career in marketing management at Johnson Controls in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Upon retirement, he and Betty relocated to Sarasota, Florida where they enjoyed boating, golfing, and extensive international travel. They later moved to Bettendorf, Iowa to be near their daughter, Lee Ann, who oversaw their care in later years. Jim was a hospital volunteer, a member of the Optimists Club, supported the local symphony and was a dedicated and devoted caregiver to Betty.

He spent his last three years living at Elizabeth Residence in Bayside, Wisconsin and was beloved by the staff there for his kind, gentle presence and his sense of humor even in difficult times. We are grateful to his son, Jay, for the loving support, attention and reassurance he gave Jim in his last few years.

Jim cared first and foremost for his family which grew to include so many over his lifetime. He also loved cars, dogs and a good Manhattan before dinner. His Catholic faith guided him throughout his life and his rosary was usually in his pocket. His wit and humor continued through his last days. We will miss that humor and the love we each knew he felt for us.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Lee Ann (Robert) Picchiotti; his son Jay (Susan) Cooney; his brother Kevin (Mary) Cooney; and his sisters Susan Hennessey and Kathleen Lisa. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews
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He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister Sister Miriam Patrick Cooney, C.S.C. and brothers-in-law Bill Hennessey and Tony Lisa.

The family will celebrate a memorial Mass to honor Jim's life on August 13 at 4:00 at Trinity Woods Chapel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.