James Harvey Cooper

James Cooper was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

James was born August 7, 1966, in Ft. Worth, Texas. To James L. and Pauline S. Cooper. James was raised in Odessa, Texas by his parents Curtis and Sue Brazil. He was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve him well throughout his life.

Growing up in the Cooper household was a bit different than most homes. There were good times to be had, but just as often there was a fair share of challenges as well. However, James was able to work through the usual family problems when they appeared, and he was the one person in the family who seemed able to keep the stress at bay. James was raised with two siblings. He had two older sisters, Paula and Mary. James was constantly involved in activities with his family and friends. James and his siblings may have had the typical rivalries while growing up, but James was always consistently loyal to his family.

He graduated from Odessa High School in 1985. His favorite class in high school was work study where he discovered plumbing. Using his exceptional memory, he was able to learn much through observation. James always seemed to have a command of the facts and was able to make it seem as though he could easily master any problem that might be presented to him.

He earned his Journeyman Plumbing License in 1987 and his Master’s License in 2007. James also had several licenses and certifications for the many different jobs as a plumber.

On May 14, 1988, James exchanged wedding vows with Chelle Morrow at the Kellus Turner Park in Odessa, Texas. He was a source of strength to Chelle and using his gifts at nurturing one-on-one relationships, he worked hard to make his new family happy.

James brought the same traditional values in his marriage to bear on how he raised his children listen carefully and think things through before he acted, even when it was an adverse situation. James was blessed with two children, son, J. C. Cooper and daughter Kayla Patton-Cooper. He also celebrates his Grandchildren: Donovan Ford, Bronston Cooper, Hayleigh Patton, Trevor Cooper, Axel Cooper, Raiden Cooper and Jaxson Cooper.

James greatly enjoyed what he did for a living. He worked as a plumber for four different plumbing companies in Odessa over 36 years. Ervin Plumbing, giving him his start and Rainbow Plumbing, the confidence to get his Master’s License. James worked hard to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done. James was very proud to be awarded the Plumber of the year in 1999, donning the nickname, "The Millennium Plumber".

James liked to experience things first-hand as well as learn about them. His sports interest was World Wrestling Entertainment, which he watched since childhood. His favorite pursuits were his grandchildren, hunting and friends. Throughout his years, James was an active member of all booster clubs his children were involved with.

James Harvey Cooper passed away on November 25, 2021, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas. James was taken swiftly and peacefully, by a very aggressive cancer. He is survived by his wife Chelle, his children J. C. and wife, Katelyn, and Kayla; his grandchildren; his sisters Paula Hassler and husband, Mike, and Mary Cooper.

Services are to be held at Hubbard Kelly Chapel, Monday, December 13th at 3PM.

Commitment is a key word that can be used to describe the life of James Harvey Cooper. He was committed to living the life of a good man who was both practical and trustworthy. He was committed to the traditional values that he upheld his entire life. He committed himself to being a hard worker who expected the same effort in return from those around him. Most of all, he was committed to those he knew and loved.