He graduated from Owensboro High School. After serving in the United States Air Force and graduating from Spartan College of Aeronautics he began what was to become his 45 year career at Fedex. He was awarded the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award before retiring. He was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church and served in various capacities, including a deacon for many years.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Tina Cooper Shah and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jennie Cooper of Germantown, TN., daughter Dr. Elisa Cooper of Cambridge, England, grandsons Nickolas, Simon, Luke, and Elliott Shah, sister Frances Cooper Rives, brother Sam Cooper (Pam Cooper) and nieces Melanie and Jennifer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Calvary Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 2077, Memphis, TN. 38101.
A gathering of family and friends for Jerald will be held Monday, May 2, 2022 from 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A celebration of life service will follow Monday, May 2, 2022 frat 10:00 AM, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A committal service will occur follow at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Cooper family.