James Dorlan Cooper

Jim Cooper, 80, of Reed City, most recently Evart, went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 22, 2019.  He is survived by his daughters Paula (Neal) Cole, Cindy (Steve) Gilman and Carla Cooper; grandchildren, Scott Veeder, Ashley (Ted) Clark, Andrew Branch, Angie (Jim) Murphy, Clark (Hilary) Gilman, Kahlan Boerma and Faith Boerma; great grandchildren, Kaden, Olivia, Keira & Tessa Clark, Brianna Gilman, Asher & Amelia Branch, Della Osterman and Max Murphy; sisters, Nerita (Jack) Benedict and Linda (Gary) Reed.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rosalie Cooper (Hoitenga); parents, Lewis and Dona Cooper and brother, Gary Cooper.

Jim was well known for his singing and guitar playing.  He entertained many people over the last 60 years with his old time country music.  If you were fortunate to have heard him, you would have likely heard him playing songs by some of his favorite artists, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Conway Twitty and more. Rose, Jim’s wife, delighted in hearing Jim sing so much that at her memorial 2 ½ years ago, he was able to muster the strength and maintain his composure enough to serenade her with a beautiful love song.

During 51 years of marriage, Jim and Rose enjoyed camping, bowling, attending and hosting card parties with friends and spending time with family.  Jim loved his family and was affectionately known as “Grumpa” by some of his grandchildren. He loved to pick on family, friends and occasionally unsuspecting nurses, care givers, or others that crossed his path.  If you experienced his “picking”, you could be sure that he liked you as that was one of the ways he showed his love.  

Jim, his guitar playing, singing, sassy whit and sense of humor will be dearly missed.  His memorial and celebration of life will be held on November 10, 2019 at 2:00pm at the Reed City Moose.  Following the service, a luncheon will be served. In honor of Jim’s passion for music and singing, his family will be providing karaoke for anyone that would like to sing a song in remembrance of him.  No talent required!