James Cooper Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

Powers Funeral Home

320 West Pioneer Avenue

Puyallup, Washington

James Cooper Obituary

James Lawrence Cooper, Sr. 1939 - 2007 James Lawrence Cooper, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. He suffered from pulmonary fibrosis. He was born on January 7, 1939, in Neptune, N.J., the son of George and Margaret Cooper. He attended St. Rose Grammar School and Asbury Park High School. He entered the Army in 1958 and served America for 20 years around the world including Germany, Korea, and Alaska before retiring as an Army Criminal Investigation Special Agent rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was cited for having the "utmost in attentiveness, reliability and integrity." In 1976, he was awarded a Certificate of Achievement as a "highly valued criminal investigator and an accomplished non-commissioned officer." Sergeant First Class Cooper's continuous display of maturity, superior performance and outstanding ability represent exceptional achievement and reflects great credit upon himself, the CID and the U.S. Army." Sergeant Cooper never stopped working. Upon retirement, he worked for the UPS, owned Lefty's Tavern in Tacoma, worked as a private investigator and then took up a second career as an investigator with the Washington State Department of Corrections for 20 years. There he was twice honored with the title of "Correctional Officer of the Year." Most recently, he worked as an immigration officer at NW Detention Center. Sergeant Cooper leaves behind his devoted wife, Kum Son, his children Debbie Fralick (and her husband Daniel), James Lawrence Cooper, Jr., George Norman Cooper, IV (and his wife Heather), and Patricia Anne Cooper, and his five grandchildren, Joseph, Jonathan and Ariel Fralick, and Hailey and Rebekah Cooper. He is also survived by his brother George Norman Cooper, Jr., in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and two sisters, Margaret Ellen Cooper and Loretta Cooper Witt in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He should be remembered as a man dedicated to serving and protecting his family and to his work for the country and for the state of Washington. Jim loved his grandchildren. He served as an example to them as an enormously strong man who used his strength for good and an amazingly kind man who did the right thing. He will be missed by all who knew him. Viewing will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2007, at Powers Funeral Home, 320 West Pioneer Avenue in Puyallup, Washington, from 3 PM to 8 PM. On Monday, March 5, 2007 a Mass of Resurrection will take place at 10 AM at All Saints Catholic Church, 503 3rd St SW, Puyallup. Burial will follow at Woodbine Cemetery.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Mar. 2, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Cooper

7 Entries

George Cooper, III

March 16, 2007

Dear Uncle Jim,
As I know you witnessed, we had a small reunion in your honor recently.
Amidst the sadness of a stunned family, lines of great and warm connection occurred between 'East Coast and West Coast' as we shared many stories, broke bread (as well as donuts, waffles and kim chee), laughed, and shed tears; all while reflecting on the the life of a good man from South Orange, New Jersey...dad, husband, father-in-law, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend. That same man left quite a mark in this world, and his spirit will always live on though his beloved and loving family. 'Sarge,' as your grandpa called you, will always be with his family...
And by the way, what a family you have in Seattle. It was a special trip in reconnecting, and it left me wishing I lived closer to them all.
I guess sometime between getting into gum-ball trouble with your mother down at the Jersey Shore in the summer of '71, and now, winter of 2007, we distant cousins have led interesting lives, many miles away from one another.
But a theme of more frequent union has arisen, thanks in large part to you, and we certainly look to that larger reunion you called for such a short time ago.
Finally, thanks for coming to our wedding in 1998. Lisa and I were thrilled and honored that you could make it from so far away. During that whirlwind day and evening reception, I remember a few things as extra special, including: my little (second) cousin Alexandra staring at Lisa all day and night, as if she was watching a princess; dancing with another cousin's young daughter, Leah, who was recovering from an illness; watching extended families happily celebrate for the first time together; and seeing you and Aunt Kum Son, including meeting my terrific aunt for the first time. On our special day, you and Aunt Kum Son were truly an important part of it all.
And so, as the Irish Blessing says, 'may the sun shine warm upon your face,' (especially on that lush hill of green near Debbie and Dan's house), and, 'until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.' God bless you, Uncle Jim.

Debbie Fralick

March 5, 2007

Dad, you were there to see me come into the world and I was able to be there for you when you were ready to go. We shared a special bond and I will always cherish that and love you. The angels are truly on your back and your were blessed with a great family and many friends who really loved and respected you. Good journey to you Dad and see you in the next life. Love Always Debbie

George N. Cooper Jr

March 3, 2007

Jim,you are the best brother ever. You always were the straightest arrow, you always did the right thing, you always gave good example. You are the best. I will be proud of you forever. Now we will have to do the reunion in your honor ....pretty soon.

Trish Cooper

March 3, 2007

Dad, I can't believe your really gone. I keep thinking that when I go into the living room I will see you in your chair watching whatever ball game is on and you asking or should I say telling me to get you your coffee. I miss your face. I miss your voice, I miss you! I know that you will always be with me and I am so happy that you were crazy enough to ride your motorcycle 3 hours to visit me for 20 minutes to an hour for one visit. I always knew you were a mad man and I will always cherish those moments. Thank you for being my Dad. I love you so much and when you get to where you are going, I know you will be saving a place for us, your family.....always and
forever!!

Mike Hill

March 3, 2007

Jim, although our work took us down separate paths, I never forgot all the great times that we experienced. Whether it was at work or riding our bikes up & down the West Coast on the famous "Spring Breaks" we took, we always had a fun time. I miss you, your loud laugh, how red your faced tuned when you got embarrassed, and your company as we headed into the desert as the sun came over the mountains.... Oh yeah Jim, always remember "rubber down & chrome up"...it's easier that way....;-0)

March 2, 2007

Pop, I will miss your friendship and "family get togethers", they were special times when both families enjoyed the holidays. It has been especially hard these last few days, but everyone has been pulling together to help mom through this. Joe, Jon and Ariel send their love. Your son in law, Daniel.

Lou Murkowski

March 2, 2007

I remember Jim as being a dedicated, caring, and highly professional co-worker at McNeil Island. We both had the opportunity to ride our motorcycles together for fun & charity. Truly a gentle "big guy" with a heart of gold! May you rest in peace my friend.

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