James Cooper Obituary

James Carl Cooper II

December 30, 1935 -

October 7, 2024

James Carl Cooper II, affectionately known as Jim, completed his earthly journey and entered his forever home on October 7, 2024, following a most difficult battle with heart and lung complications. After several weeks of hospitalization at Johnson City Medical Center, Jim transitioned to Princeton's Transitional Care Center and shortly thereafter, to Princeton's Assisted Living Center.

Jim was born in Nashville, Tennessee as the eldest son of Crystal and James Carl Cooper on December 30, 1935. Jim often enjoyed sharing stories about his father's work with Davis Cabinet Furniture Company in addition to his special memories of his younger sister, Gwen, and their beautiful home in Nashville. Jim often remarked about his early career beginning at age 14 with a Nashville drug store where he served as a prescription assistant within the pharmacy.

After graduating from David Lipscomb High School in Nashville, Jim continued his education and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. Shortly thereafter, Jim began his career with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, formerly Jefferson Pilot Insurance Company, spanning over 60 years of service with a company he so loved. Originally working in Nashville as a regional manager with Lincoln National, Jim also opened a regional office in Knoxville as he continued to serve the southeast region. Upon retirement, Jim continued to serve Lincoln as a consultant while residing in Johnson City. In addition to his work with Lincoln National, Jim served our country as a reservist for the U.S. Air Force.

It was during his work as regional manager with Lincoln National that Jim met his wife, Mary Lou. They were married on March 9, 1990. Jim and Mary Lou decided to reside in both Johnson City and Nashville at that time, traveling between those two cities for several years. It has often been said that Jim and Mary Lou celebrated a great love story for 36 years.

Jim so loved his work throughout his tremendous career and subsequent retirement while also enjoying his travels throughout the southeast and most fondly his favorite retirement connection in Mrytle Beach, South Carolina. Also noting that Jim was an avid reader and collector of books and magazines, and most importantly he was dedicated to the reading of his bible. Moreover, he loved his collection of manual typewriters in both Nashville and Johnson City and often used them to type personal notes his many friends and colleagues.

Very importantly. Jim was such a Christian gentleman and will be forever remembered by his family and friends. He is a member of Central Church of Christ in Johnson City and formerly a member of Crieve Hall Church of Christ in Nashville.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Johnson City; son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Sherry Cooper of Columbia, TN; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Tim Presley of Goodlettsville, TN; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and David Reach of Johnson City, TN; five grandchildren: Greyson Hammonds, Cooper Presley, Ella Presley, and Eden Presley, all of Goodlettsville, TN, and Chase Reach of Bristol, VA; sister and brother-in-law, Gwen and John Guess of Nashville; a very special niece, Tracey O'Kelly of Nashville; and a very special nephew, Kelly Guess of Nolensville, TN.

A memorial gathering will be conducted 4 - 6 PM on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 at Central Church of Christ in Johnson City (2722 East Oakland AVE). Arrangements are being coordinated by Weaver Funeral Home with a very special thank you to Daniel Ownby for his friendship and service.

Jim's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, those who wish, may send memorials in honor of Jim to the Youth Program at Central Church of Christ. Jim and Mary Lou have greatly enjoyed supporting the work of Central's very special youth program.

Jim's family would like to thank Johnson City's Hospice Team and Princeton's outstanding nursing and support team during this most difficult time.

Jim's family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Harriet Fitzgerald, a very special caregiver, who assisted Jim so wonderfully during his final days at Princeton. And a tremendous thank you to Reverend Tim Hall for his friendship, support, and prayers during this most difficult time.