James Cooper, Jr. Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For James Cooper, Jr.

James Cooper, Jr., 85, of Glen Allen, died September 16, 2020. He was born in Williamsburg County, Kingstree, South Carolina on July 2, 1935. He was the son of the late Queen E. and James G. Cooper of Kingstree, South Carolina. His early education was received in the Williamsburg County Public Schools in South Carolina followed by graduation from Tomlinson High School. He continued his education and graduated from South Carolina State (now University) with a B.S. degree in Mathematics. He earned his M.S. Degree in Applied Mathematics from Atlanta University (now Clark-Atlanta University). He pursued post-graduate studies at Hampton University, Virginia Commonwealth University, The University of Virginia and Michigan State University. James began his career as a high school mathematics teacher in North Charleston, South Carolina and taught there for two years before entering graduate school. After completing graduate school, he was employed as a high school mathematics teacher/department head in Staunton, Virginia; during this time period, he also was employed simultaneously as an adjunct teacher in the Field Services Division at Virginia State University. He served in this dual role for several years before moving to Richmond. In August of 1963, he began his teaching career in the Richmond City Public Schools at Maggie L. Walker High School. During his career, he also worked at John Marshall High School, George Wythe High School and in Central Administration. He held various positions within the school system, Teacher, Department Head, Supervisor, Curriculum Specialist, Acting Director of the Department of Planning and Development, Educational and Fiscal Planner and Coordinator of Computer Training and User Support. He was also employed part-time with H&R Block and People's Income Tax for 20 years. He retired in June, 1995 from the administrative position of Coordinator of Computer Training and User Support. James was a member of Providence Park Baptist Church and served as comptroller and one of the musicians for the past 10 years. He was a member of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and a "fifty year" member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He was honored as "Kappa Brother of the Year" in 1999. He received the "Good Apple" award from the Richmond School Board for his contribution to Richmond Public Schools in 1990. He received an award from the Richmond Association of Educational Office Professionals in 1990 which recognized his contribution to the computer training of clerical personnel; he was a graduate of the first Henrico County Senior Citizens Police Academy and a past member of the United Way Evaluation Agency, past member of Club 533, Inc., past member of Henrico County Lay Advisory Council and a Life member of the Virginia PTA's. He was predeceased by his wife of 2 years, Janet Allen Cooper, of Spring Hope, North Carolina. Surviving are his former wife of 41 years, Deloris Betts Cooper of Greensboro, North Carolina and their two sons, Eric (Valerie) of Cary, North Carolina and James III (Darlene) of Greensboro, North Carolina; two daughters-in-law; four loving grandchildren; Kiana and Alexis of Greensboro, North Carolina and Jordan and Joi of Cary, North Carolina; godson, Rodney P. Keyes of Fayetteville, Georgia; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Cooper of Thomson, Georgia; devoted family friend, Delores Keyes; several nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held Monday, September 21 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. with a walk through visitation from 6 - 7 p.m. Graveside services will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 22 at Forest Lawn Mausoleum followed by entombment. Rev. Jerome C. Ross officiating. Live streaming at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCusBCG0dIVpVW0hb7EO-7VQ/ or RVAV-Richmond Virginia Audio Visual on YouTube

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My sincere condolences to the Cooper family. Mr. Cooper served as my home room teacher and trigonometry teacher at Maggie Walker. He was always pleasant, always cordial. He will be missed. Calvin L. Rasberry MLWHS Class of 1966

Rest peacefully. We will miss you playing the piano at church. - The Perkins Family, Providence Park Baptist Church

Eric and Jimmy, your father was one of my favorite relatives. Now, my two favorite Uncles are gone, Uncle Junior on my mother's side and your dad, Uncle Junior on my dad's side. As you know, we lost my daddy on August 26, 1992. Now, the two brothers are together with their sisters and parents. Take comfort in this and be at peace my 1st cousin. Know that your father inspired me to pursue advanced degrees so that I have a successful career and help others. Just like him. I will miss him...but he will always inspire me....love Carlton Rodney Cooper, PhD

Jimmy, Eric and Family,
We have so many fond memories of your father. He was a special neighbor, friend, co-worker, and most of all, a wonderful human being. Please know we share your sorrow and he will certainly be missed because he made the world a better place for all of us. During this time, may you be blessed with good health, inner peace, joy and lots of love.
Sincerely, Evelyn, Morgan, Pamela and Jennifer Edwards

I had the honor and delight of sharing several meals with my parents and Mr. Cooper in the Verena dining room. He loved talking about all the accomplishments of his family of whom he was very proud. My parents especially loved the times he would play the piano for a hymn sing. He will be greatly missed in the Verena Community! Susan Fishell for Warren & Nancy Carr

I had the delight and honor of sharing several meals with my parents Warren & Nancy Carr and Mr. Cooper in the Verena dining room. He spoke often of his family. It is obvious that he was very proud of you all and loved you all very much. My parents so enjoyed the times he would play the piano for a time of hymn singing. He will be greatly missed in the Verena Community!
Susan Fishell for Warren & Nancy Carr

I met Jim when we both were teaching at Maggie L. Walker high school. We both accompanied students to the annual math and science conferences. He was always congenial and never failed to engage in good conversation whenever our paths crossed through the years. You have my sincere sympathy.
Patricia Q. Taylor E76DKJ

My sympathy to Jim's family. I so enjoyed Jim's playing the piano at Verena. Such a kind man with a great smile. He will be missed. RIP

Enjoyed playing with you at church. Vergie Cowans

One of the highlights of my life's journey is me on the organ and you on the piano at Providence Park Baptist. I miss you my buddy I miss you my friend. Rest in peace Mr. Cooper. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Eric, Jimmy,and family our condolences and sympathy are extended to your family at this time. I was saddened to learn of Cooper's passing last week. Your father was brilliant, gifted, and a help and blessing to thousands of people over his lifetime. He never met a stranger and had an infectious personality and contagious sense of humor. He was a precious friend to my parents John (deceased) and Delores Keyes. I am thankful for his influence in my life growing up in Richmond. May God comfort and strengthen you in this season knowing that your father has received his eternal reward and is present with the Lord (Psalm 116:15). Rodney Keyes and The Keyes Family

Mr. Cooper was a wonderful teacher (Maggie Walker) and very kind person who became a friend to me and my husband in later years.

Rest in Peace Brother you will be dearly missed here at the Verena loved our talks and your wonderful music. Prayers for your family.

Mr. Cooper was the best teacher I ever had. I can still see him standing at the chalkboard patiently explaining calculus to us. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.