Justin W. Cooley

Mr. Justin W. "Judd" Cooley,age 94, of Nashville passed away Friday, June 26th, 2015 at Thornapple Manor, in Hastings, MI.

Judd was born in Hastings, MI on September 18, 1920, the son of the late Stephen and Clara (Stamm) Cooley. He was raised in the Hastings area and attended local schools graduating from Hastings High School in 1938. After high school Judd traveled to California working in Los Angeles at Douglas Aircraft before entering the Merchant Marines in 1944 traveling to such countries as Belguim, North Africa, Panama, and the Philippines.

When Judd returned he became a partner in Wheeler Gas Station. Shortly after this he started the Cooley-McVey Body Shop. Around 1950, Judd and his father built Cooley’s Drive-In and eventually the Green Arrow Motel and a duplex that became the family home.

He was the widower of Grace (Porter) Cooley. The couple was married on May 13, 1950 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Nashville. They made their home together in Nashville where they raised their family together. Together with his wife the couple owned and operated Cooley's Drive-In and Green Arrow Motel. Judd was also employed as a truck driver with Cuyler's and later Nashville Gravel, until retiring in 1983. In 1968 he became the Nashville Village Assessoror, leading to the Castleton Township supervisor position he held for 35 years before stepping down in 2008.

Judd was an avid fisherman, and looked forward each year to his annual fishing trip to Chapleau, WaWa, and Hornepayne Canada. It was not uncommon for Judd to fish the entire day, rain or shine! He also enjoyed playing cards and hunting.

Judd is survived by his two daughters, Debra (Steven) Graham, Gale (Brian) Chaffee, two grandchildren Patrick (Annie) Chaffee, Jessica (Ed) Weber, and 3 great grandchildren Amelia Chaffee, and Conley & Sophia Weber.

He was preceded in death by his wife Grace in 1985, son James Cooley, his brother Orville Cooley, sisters Margaret Phillips, Imogene Crane, and Marian Pennock.

Funeral Services will be held at The Nashville United Methodist Church, Nashville, MI, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 30th, with Pastor Gary Simmons officiating.

The family will receive visitors on Monday June 29th from 6-8 PM at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville.

There will also be public visitation one hour prior to the funeral service at the Nashville United Methodist Church beginning at 10:00 AM.

At time of fellowship and luncheon will be held immediately following the funeral service at the Nashville
United Methodist Church.

Interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville following the luncheon.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Nashville United Methodist Church or Putnam Library.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net