John Alden Cooper

John Alden Cooper went to be with our Lord on June 1, 2022, he was born on April 20,1982 to Julia “Judy” Grizzaffi Cooper and Sam E. Cooper in Tulsa, Oklahoma. John grew up in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. At the age of five John started playing baseball. By the time he was ten years old he participated in the International Little League World Series that took place in Broken Arrow. He was a left-handed pitcher and played first base. John was a talented left-handed pitcher, by the time he was in high school he was pitching a 90 mph. baseball.

John lived in Tulsa until 2000, when he moved to Houston to be closer to his mother and sister. John worked at many jobs over the years, he did commercial and residential heating and air conditioning installation and repair, built new homes for a builder, worked for Jim Houston Construction doing remodeling. He also worked for Icenhower Design Services, Inc., The Hand Hewn Company, where he handmade custom hardwood flooring. Billy Icenhower said, “John was a team leader who showed up every day with a smile and a willingness to learn how he could be your best asset.”

John’s true passion was as a chef. John worked as a personal chef for individuals, and at the West Alabama Icehouse selling his famous Pulled Pork sandwich. He worked at a high-end Sushi restaurant in downtown Houston where he created a variety of rolls and dishes. He was so proud when his Western Roll made it to the menu. While working at this restaurant he served many famous athletes and performers. He also opened another new sushi restaurant as their Executive Chef. John was a talented chef, he made amazing dishes for his family and friends, cooking is what really made him happy, it was his way of showing his love. He always cooked all the family holiday dinners. He also loved to hunt and fish. Fishing was really his favorite thing to do, it was his peaceful time.

The most important things to John were family, trust, loyalty, honor and respect. These were so important that they were tattooed on his fingers as a reminder to all. He was a kind, loving and selfless person, who was always there when you needed help or emotional support. He had a great sense of humor. Even when he was in pain, he could always put a smile on your face with a joke or story. John was loved by many and will be terribly missed every day.

John is survived by his mother Judy Grizzaffi Cooper of Cypress, Texas, his sister Holly Bridges Nunez of Sugarland, Texas, his brother-in-law Armando Nunez, his nephews Lyrik Anthony Nunez and Kalen William Nunez, and brother-in-law Tony Nunez of Sugarland, Rosie Nunez of Sugarland, Texas, his Uncle Pat Grizzaffi and Aunt Roberta Grizzaffi of Dallas, Aunt Mary Dodson of Kingsland, Texas, Aunt Shirley Grizzaffi of Addison, Texas. Cousins Phillip Grizzaffi of Austin, Amy and Scott Hollyfield of Lafayette, California, Lisa and Ken Jones of Garland, John and Kyla Dodson of Brock Texas, Will and Megan Dodson of Montgomery, Texas, Jody and Casey Upham of Ozona, Texas. John is preceded in death by his father Sam E. Cooper, Grand Parents Dr. A. L. Grizzaffi and Jo Grizzaffi and Alden O. Cooper and Betty Lou Cooper, and his Uncle Michel Grizzaffi, Uncle Patrick Dodson.