James Larson Cooper

James Larson Cooper (Jim) was born on April 1, 1939, in Ramona, California, and peacefully passed away surrounded by family on June 22, 2024, after courageously battling Parkinson's Lewy Body Dementia and Prostate Cancer. Jim was known for his immense kindness and generosity. His infectious sense of humor, captivating laugh, and warm smile touched everyone he met, often accompanied by a twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes that reflected his quick wit and fun-loving nature. His memory will forever be cherished in our hearts, and the countless joyful moments shared with him will be treasured eternally.

Jim graduated from Escondido Union High School in 1958 and proudly served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Military Policeman, stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington D.C. and Osan Air Force Base, Korea. He earned an Associate in Science degree from Imperial Valley Junior College in 1966, where he was honored as a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Scholarship Society. Continuing his education, Jim graduated from Fresno State College in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and was a distinguished member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity.

Following graduation, Jim embarked on an illustrious 36-year banking career, starting with Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco's Management Training Program. He rose to the position of Vice President and Branch Manager in Beverly Hills, CA, where he was twice recognized as Manager of the Year for the region. Jim furthered his professional development at the Pacific Coast Banking School, University of Washington, graduating in 1982. He concluded his banking career as Vice President and Regional Loan Officer for the Retail bank at Union Bank of California.

Among Jim’s greatest joys was raising his daughter Jeannie, whom he guided through life with unwavering love and support. Together, they shared memorable camping trips and travels, often visiting Yosemite and cruising in his cherished Corvette. Jim found renewed happiness in 2001 when he married Diana Reicks in Kona, Hawaii. Following their retirement in 2004, they relocated from Cerritos, CA to Las Vegas, NV, where they embarked on extensive travels across Europe, Asia, South America, Antarctica, and Australia. Jim and Diana were avid Scuba divers and explored the depths of Hawaii, Fiji, the Sea of Cortez, Cozumel, and Bonaire. He was also an avid golfer and reader, particularly drawn to historical subjects.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Diana of Las Vegas, NV, loving daughter Jeannie Cooper of Toluca Woods, CA, step-daughters Debbi and husband David Lewis of Eureka, CA, Donna and husband Patrick Gaudy of Batavia, NY and Darice and husband Bill Mead of La Palma, CA, nephews Jack Cooper Jr, and wife Linda of Chula Vista, CA, Ricky Cooper and wife Laurie of San Diego, CA, and nieces Donna Lani and husband Don, and Christy Peacock and husband Monty, all of Lund, NV, Randi Cooper-Maples and husband Aaron of Coronado, CA, and Karen Kalish and husband Bruce of Tumwater, WA.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Anna Cooper, and siblings Beverly Regele, Jack Cooper, Don Cooper, and Eddie B. Cooper, Jr.

Jim had a remarkable ability to bring people together and embraced his new extended family by marriage with joy, eventually including 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who adored him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health of Las Vegas.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Fervent, A Calvary Chapel, 4295 N Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89130. Followed by a reception at Palm Mortuary, 6701 N Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131. A meal will be served.

For those unable to attend the service in person, it will be available to watch live on the following link:

https:\\live.ferventlv.org