Advisory Board Member Spotlight – Jim Cooper

I first moved to Alaska in 1958 with my family. My mom worked at the High School, and my dad served in the military. He was also an active community member. He was a Lions and Elks member, coached little league, and was a Troop Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. After college and the United States Coast Guard Academy, I was fortunate to be stationed in Alaska four times.

After retiring, my wife, Cheri, and I bought the JUST SEW fabric store in Palmer. We immediately became immersed in the city activities. During Colony Days, we hung quilts on downtown buildings to give it an “old town” feeling. We eventually hung close to 100 beautiful quilts.

Cheri and I joined the Palmer Chamber, and we were on the Special Events Committee. Through that committee, my wife was instrumental in resurrecting Friday Fling. I joined the Palmer Chamber board and was elected President of the Chamber. I also served on the Palmer Planning and Zoning Commission, was Palmer Citizen of the Year, a member of Palmer City Council, and subsequently elected Palmer Mayor.

I have lived in Palmer for 25 years and consider it home. My parents showed me the importance of community involvement, and I have tried to give back to the city. Being an advisory board member of the Palmer Community Foundation allows me to help Palmer grow more than I could as an individual. With the help of the grants we offer to nonprofits, Palmer will continue to flourish.