James W. Cooper, Jr.

James W. Cooper, Jr. age 88, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 6, 2015. Jim was born on August 25, 1926 in Detroit, the son of James and Lucy Cooper. He grew up on the eastside and graduated from Central High School in 1943. Jim was a member of the YMCA State Basketball Championship team of 1941-42. Mr. Cooper began his college education at the General Motors Institute after high school, but was interrupted by World War II. Jim served his country in the US Army for 19 months until he was honorably discharged due to injury. He attained the rank of sergeant and received the WW II Victory Ribbon. After his hitch in the Army, Jim attended West Virginia State University for one year before coming back to the GM Institute where he finished his engineering degree. After receiving his degree from GMI, he worked at Cadillac Motors in Detroit. He left GM and moved to the Ford Motor Company at World Headquarters in Dearborn where he was employed until retirement in 1987. Professionally, Mr. Cooper was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Jim was a naturally born craftsman; he could make anything! His basement workshop was the home of his many creations. He was known for his finished carpentry skills, skills he used to build his home's family room and finished basement. He enjoyed making specialty lamps out of wood, metals, wine and liquor bottles. Each of his grandchildren has a custom built lamp Papa made for them. One of his greatest joys was making something for anyone who had a need. His hobbies included golf, racquetball and cooking. His specialty was applesauce, and bran muffins that he made weekly and delivered to his family and friends on Sunday mornings. He walked around with a pocket full of candy and enjoyed handing out Starburst Mints, Jolly Ranchers and Tootsie Rolls. Mr. Cooper is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna; their four children; Kenneth (Christine), James M. (Daria), Lucie Ross (Richard) and Robert. He was the proud Papa of Aaron, Andrew, Charles, Kelly, Kimberly, Megan and Bradley and brother of Donald Cooper (Barbara) and the late Dorothy Messer. He will be missed by "Shadow the Dog". The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 9:00 pm Thursday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. A scripture service will begin at 7:00 pm Thursday. On Friday morning the family will receive friends from 9:30 am until the memorial mass begins at 10:00 am at St. Joan of Arc Church, 21620 Greater Mack, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be made to St. Joan of Arc Church.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236