(Wakefield, MA) - The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, Inc. is proud to announce that the James A. Coogan Memorial Fund is now a permanent scholarship fund. Beginning in June 2026, an annual scholarship will be awarded in Jim Coogan’s name to a local student pursuing education beyond high school.
James A. Coogan moved to Wakefield in 1966 with his wife, Virginia, and their five children. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Coogan family was deeply involved in Wakefield schools and athletics. Jim was a devoted family man who cherished his seven grandsons and one granddaughter. A man of strength and humility, Jim showed his love through his actions every day of his life until his passing in 2017.
Jim attended Somerville High School, where he excelled in football and baseball. He proudly served his country as a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Jim began his law enforcement career in 1969 with the Metropolitan Police Department and later served with the Massachusetts State Police, retiring in 1994 after a long and distinguished career. While he never forgot his Somerville roots, Wakefield was truly his home.
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The James A. Coogan Memorial Fund was established by his family and gives preference to a Wakefield High School student-athlete pursuing a career in law enforcement or public service.
Donations are encouraged to help the fund grow and expand the number of scholarships awarded. Contributions may be made by check payable to The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield and mailed to P.O. Box 321, Wakefield, MA 01880. Online donations are available at www.TSFofWakefield.org/donate and via Venmo at: @TSFofWakefieldMA. Please include the fund name with all donations.
TSF’s motto is ‘Investing in Students, Honoring Legacies.’ Since 1960, The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield has invested in students by providing financial need assistance to Wakefield residents in their full-time pursuit of higher education. Beyond this commitment to students, TSF proudly honors the legacies of individuals and groups through the administration of over 620 scholarship funds. More information about The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield is available at TSFofWakefield.org.
