James Carl Cooper

James was born on June 24, 1941 in Stafford, Kansas. He was the son of Carl and Chloe Cooper and the brother of Charles, Doug, Keith, and Kay Cooper. His childhood years were spent in Duncan, Oklahoma and Lovington, NM. In 1955 his family moved to Midland, TX where he graduated from Midland High School in 1959.

In 1961, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a radioman aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard. He participated in a 10-month world cruise and received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service during the Vietnam armed conflict.

After his honorable discharge, he returned home to Midland where he met and married the love of his life, Josie Burrow Cooper, in 1966. They have two children Kerri Cooper Thornton of Mesquite, TX and James C. Cooper, Jr. of Alvarado, TX.

James served at the US Postal Service as a mail carrier. During his 38-year career, he received numerous commendations, including a “Million Mile” award for safe driving and workplace excellence.

James and Josie were active members of Second Baptist and Bellview Baptist Church communities until they moved to Mesquite in 2020. In Mesquite, they were welcomed into the Parkside Baptist Church family, where they served as weekly volunteers.

Through the years James enjoyed golfing, traveling, camping, and taking all the family photos. But, perhaps he will be remembered the most for his wittiness and his good-hearted jokes. Spreading smiles and laughs were some of his truest gifts.

James is preceded in death by his parents and each of his siblings. James was survived by his wife of 57 years Josie, his two children Kerri and Jim, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.