James C. Cooper’s St. Mary Church Fund

In 2012, with a gift of just $100, James C. Cooper established this designated fund to support his beloved parish here in Marion. He also made a plan to ensure that this would happen — by naming Marion Community Foundation as the beneficiary of his IRA account.

Upon his passing in 2015, his plan went into effect and the James C. Cooper’s St. Mary Church Fund grew by $51,000. The fund will make annual grants to St. Mary Church in support of St. Mary School, forever.

Jim was born in Marion in 1935. He ran the family business, Cooper’s Auto Supply, with his brothers, Jack and Gene, for many years. It was sold upon his retirement.

Jim had a great love for Lake Erie, boating, and scuba diving. He was a graduate of St. Mary High School and a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church.

The Cooper Fund is an example of what is known as an Acorn Fund at Marion Community Foundation, in which a fund is created with a small gift and a plan to add to the principle over time.