James "Jim" Eldon Cooper

Jim was born on June 28, 1933, in Westmoreland, Tennessee, to Bassel Edward Cooper and Cynthia Beatrice Alderson Cooper. He attended Gallatin High School and Middle Tennessee State University. He moved to Chattanooga in 1964, where he met and later married Eleanor Gray on February 4, 1967.

After a varied start in the business world as a young man, Jim moved to Chattanooga and founded Cooper Hearing Service. Following a partnership with Dr. Kenneth C. Parker, the business became Cooper Parker Hearing Service. He later purchased Brown Brothers Hardware on Signal Mountain, which he managed until his retirement.

Jim was an avid fisherman and an even more devoted golfer. He enjoyed countless rounds at Signal Mountain Golf & Country Club alongside many lifelong friends.

One of the greatest joys of Jim’s life was being a grandparent. “Papa Jim” cherished his role as chauffeur, confidant, and enthusiastic participant in the vast and varied shenanigans of Mary Sue and Alderson.

For the last several decades of his life, Jim was a faithful member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, where he attended regularly until declining health prevented him from doing so.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bassel Edward Cooper and Beatrice Alderson Cooper.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eleanor Gray Cooper of Signal Mountain; his son, Jed (Coughlin) Cooper of Signal Mountain; his granddaughter, Mary Sue Cooper of Overland Park, Kansas; his grandson, Alderson Cooper of Signal Mountain; and numerous cousins throughout the South.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Jim’s many caregivers from Right at Home, Alexian Assisted Living, Alexian Rehabilitation and Healthcare (6th Floor, 7th Floor, and 8th Floor West), Respectfully, and Hearth Hospice. Words are simply inadequate to express the family’s appreciation for the compassionate care provided.

A private burial and service will be held on Friday, May 26. A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pet Placement Center or the Humane Educational Society.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tennessee 37343.