James A. Cooper

James “Sunny Boy” Arthur Cooper, age 89, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Brookdale Lakeview Crossing.

James and his siblings relocated from Kingstree, South Carolina along with their parents to Columbus, Ohio. James was a teenager.

James served a short stint in the U.S. Army when he was 17 years old. He discovered that the Army was not for him.

James eventually met and married Ruth Cooper, the mother of his five children. He was a devoted husband and father and provider for his family. He was especially close to his four daughters. He was a man of virtue and principles. Even with his finances, he was a man of integrity in life and after his passing
as well.

James left instructions that all of his debts be paid. He always lived by the motto “your word is your bond”.

James was a man of many talents. He was a self- taught mechanic, contractor and maintenance man. He worked multiple jobs to support his family. Eventually, he retired from Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority. When James health began declining many years ago, his devoted ex-wife Donna Cooper and daughters were there to take care of him.

James was preceded in death by his parents, George Cooper Sr. and Rosa E. York (Cooper) and brother, George Cooper Jr.
James is survived by his son, Gary (Lolanda) Cooper of Henderson Nevada, daughters, Theresa A. Cooper (Hopewood) Cathy M. Cooper (Harris), Rose A. Cooper (McGruder) and Deborah D. Cooper; ex-wives, Ruth A. Cooper and Donna M. Cooper; sister, Mary S. Cooper (Horton), niece Charlette Horton (Kuechler); nephew, Ronnie Horton; 19 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

James was surrounded by his family when he departed this world to be with the Lord.

Visitation 11:00AM and Memorial Service 12:00PM Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at MARLAN GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST 5456 E. Livingston Ave.