Dr Tom Cooper

James Thomas "Tom" Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., of Marietta, GA passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on November 21, 2013. Born in Atlanta, GA, he grew up in southwest Atlanta and graduated from Southwest High School in 1952. He completed his undergraduate work at Emory University, and graduated from Emory School of Medicine in 1962. He also received a Master of Public Health degree in 1985 from Emory School of Public Health.

Dr. Cooper was a pioneer in bariatric medicine and worked exclusively with the treatment of obesity for most of his career. After his love of family, his patients were his number one priority as was maintaining the continuation of his practice by training other physicians to sustain his patient's care. An author of 11 books, mostly on dieting and nutrition -- he was recently a contributing author to a new text book on the treatment of obesity to be used in medical schools nationwide. Dr. Cooper has been president of his medical society along with being president of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians in 1974. He has lectured to and mentored bariatric physicians, medical students and residents since 1969.

Dr. Cooper was also a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force -- rising to the rank of Colonel. In 2011 he was award the honorary title of Brigadier General by the Governor of the State of Georgia for his service to his country and the State.

He always maintained a strong interest in politics including serving on the Cherokee County School Board from 1968 until 1972.

Dr. Cooper founded the Doctor of the Day program in 1967 for the Georgia General Assembly, which provides a doctor on-site at the legislature every day that the legislature is in session to take care of any needs that might arise with the legislators, their staff or visitors to the capitol. Additionally, with his medical partner Evan Boddy, he purchased and constructed the first hospital in Woodstock, GA. It was a round hospital repurposed from an experimental design built by the U.S. military. Governor Lester Maddox opened the hospital at the inaugural ribbon cutting in 1968.

He was a devoted and loving husband, living in East Cobb most of his adult life and married to State Representative Sharon Cooper.

Dr. Cooper will be remembered by all that knew him as a brilliant man with a kind and gentle disposition. He is survived by his wife Sharon Meyer Cooper, Marietta, GA; his daughters: Sarah Margaret "Margi" [Geoffrey] Wright, Sandy Springs, GA and Elizabeth Jean "Betsy" [Michael] Kistler, Tampa, FL. Two granddaughters: Samantha Marie [Matthew] Hudson, Greensboro, NC and Elizabeth Scott "Scotty" Grow, Miami, FL. He is also survived by his sister Pat [Joe] Neely, Conyers GA and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Northside United Methodist Church [2799 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305] on Monday from 5 to 8 PM and Tuesday from 1 to 2 PM followed by funeral services at the church with the Dr. Gil Watson. Interment at Historic Oakland Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Historic Oakland Foundation [248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312] or the Wounded Warrior Project [Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675].