Joseph A. "PapaJoe" Cooper,Jr.

Joseph Aubrey “JA” Cooper, Jr. “Papa-Joe” passed away peacefully on Friday, the 10th of March, 2023. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on the 9th of August, 1936 to Joseph Aubrey Cooper, Sr. and Naomi Seale Cooper.

He is preceeded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kelly Cooper Pope; his step-son, Alan Barnett; and by his beloved Golden Retriever, Jake.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betsy Nichols Barnett Cooper “Gubie”; his son, Joseph Christopher Cooper (Rita); his favorite granddaughters, Erin Edwards Hill (Joe), Ashley Edwards Ables (Brett), and Jasmine “Jazzy” Cooper; and by his great grandsons, Aidan and Kohen Hill.

Joe graduated from Minor High School, AKA “The University of Minor”, he was the President of Joe Cooper & Associates, Inc. brokerage firm and a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. When he sold his company in 1995, he spent most of his time playing golf. He was a charter member and previous President of Riverchase Country Club. Joe committed his life to Alcoholics Anonymous where he mentored countless people helping them achieve and maintain sobriety; he was sober for over 53 years. Joe was a member of Vestavia Hills Methodist Church and was a patron of the Arts.

Joe’s warm and welcoming nature made it seem as though he had known everyone for years, and his infectious personality made him well loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

In the end, it was his love for his family that truly defined his life. His family will always remember his dance moves, grits, barking spiders and the unwavering support he provided them throughout their lives. Even in his final days, he held onto his love for them, finding comfort in their presence and knowing that they would carry on his legacy with pride. He may be gone, but the love he had for his family will continue to live on in their hearts forever.

Friends are cordially invited to Joe's Celebration of Life on Saturday, the 22nd of April, from three o'clock in the afternoon until six o'clock in the evening at Riverchase Country Club. Riverchase Country Club is located at 2000 Club Road, Hoover, Alabama 35244.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and Alcoholics Anonymous. Ridout's Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood is in charge of arrangements.