Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant James.

James Norman Cooper was born in Weiner on May 17, 1945 to parents James “Jimmy” Celustus and Ruth Clara Ingram Cooper. He was reborn as a child of God in the waters of Holy Baptism on August 19, 1959. He was united in holy marriage to Betty Carol Reddman on December 31, 1990 and blessed with 35 years of married life together. God also blessed them with the gift of children; Jay Cooper (Chandler Henfling), Ronald Craft (Lisa), and Daria Gardner (Todd); grandchildren, Regan Fallon (Joshua), Paige Smith (Clinton), Peyton Craft (Kyle Jackson), Loren Craft (Tristan Johnson), Blaine Gardner (Macy), Olivia Crawford, and Jody Crawford; great grandchildren, Kyler Fallon, Alivia James Fallon, Adlee McDaniel, Casyn Smith, Pryce Smith, Briley Gardner, Blakeley Gardener, Charlotte Johnson, Riley Martin and Jayci Martin. On June 16, 2026 God called James to Himself. He now rests in the arms of Jesus and awaits the resurrection of the dead.

Along with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren he is survived by his sister, Wilma Cooper Forrest of Jonesboro, and family friend, Barry Phillips.

He is preceded in death by his parents as well as brother Charles Cooper and sister-in-law, Jean Cooper.

James was a hardworking farmer, he enjoyed the quiet peace of a good fishing day and rarely missed a chance to watch his favorite teams, especially the Arkansas Razorbacks. Whether it was game day excitement or a friendly round of cornhole, James loved moments that brought people together.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for our brother James.

A funeral service to celebrate James’ life will be held on Friday June 19, 2026 at All Saints Lutheran Church at 11:00 am with Rev. Joshua Leigeber and Rev. Daniel Suelzle officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 until service time.

He will be laid to rest in Waldenburg Cemetery.

Honored to serve him as pallbearers are Ray Wolf, Matt Swenson, Joshua Fallon, Keith Reddmann, Kevin Reddmann, and Kyle Jackson. Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Sitzer, Murriel Wilson, Linda Sitzer, Garland Wayne Shoffer, Mario Littleton, Chris Doyle, and Tristan Johnson.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to All Saints Lutheran Church Youth Ministry.