James Cooper, age 78, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at his home in Shreveport, LA surrounded by his family. He was born on May 15, 1940 to Milburn Cooper and Annie Foster Cooper in Mansfield, LA.
James leaves to cherish very fond memories of his wife of 58 years, Essie; daughters, Vivica (Michael) Portis of Cedar Hill, TX, Carlos (Gerald) Boudreaux of Lafayette, LA, and Pamelia (George) Hamilton of Titusville, FL; seven (7) grandchildren, Adrienne and Amber Portis, Brittney, Whittney and Hallie Boudreaux, Alexander and Leah Hamilton; one sister-in-law, Bernice S. Scott; nephews, Reverend Edwin W. Scott (Delphine) and Jerald L. (Kathy) Scott all of Shreveport; a very special God-son, Alkamy Rogers; longtime friend, Clifford M. McDole (Eula); son in Christ, Reverend Louis C. Matthews (Patrice) ; a host of fishing and hunting buddies, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Milburn Cooper and Annie Foster Cooper; a brother, Reverend Alex R. Scott; and grandson, Reginald Boudreaux.
Mr. Cooper accomplished so much in his lifetime. He was a devoted and outstanding leader in the Missionary Baptist Sunday School and Bible Study. He won the Safety Performance Award for outstanding safety leadership in 1997, for his time working at Kansas City Southern Railroad. He also was elected as Chairman of Local No. 1678 for the United Transportation Union. As the Chairman, James represented employees of the Kansas City Southern and the Louisiana and Arkansas Railways. He was President of Milam Street Hospitality House; the shelter is almost exclusively for the homeless living on the street or in emergency shelters. To say that we are loosing a great man, who cared for others and impacted this world is an understatement. He will be deeply missed by all.
James had a real passion for fulfilling the needs of those less fortunate, and sharing the knowledge of God's word through Sunday School. He also had a passion for fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was an avid New Orleans Saints fan and would watch every game religiously.
A celebration of life for James will be held Monday, August 27, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. Reverend Louis C. Matthews, Pastor of St. Davis Baptist Church, 1543 Natalie St., will officiate all services. A graveside service will occur Monday, August 27, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Park. A repass will occur Monday, August 27, 2018 following the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to impact the lives of others through Christ by choosing an organization of their choice.
Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.CenturiesMemorialFH.com for the Cooper family.
