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James P. "Paul" Cooper

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Royal Funeral Home, Inc - Battle Creek

281 UPTON AVE

Battle Creek, Michigan

James Cooper Obituary

James P. "Paul" Cooper Battle Creek James P. "Paul" Cooper, 63, of Battle Creek, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at his home. Paul was born on February 20, 1950, in Pikeville, TN, the son of Ulys Clarence and Mary Ann (Goforth) Cooper. He came to Battle Creek in 1950 and attended Springfield High School. He moved to Toronto, Canada after high school where he continued his theatrical and musical career. He was the co-founder of the A cappella group called "The Nylons" which toured all over the world and received many awards including gold and platinum albums. Several years ago Paul came home to Battle Creek to be closer to his family. He was the director, producer and choreographer for "Three Men and a Tenor" a group that was featured on PBS. Paul was also a member and director of a Lansing-area group known as "The Doo Wops". He also served as director of the Battle Creek Barbershop Choir. Paul was an animal lover and enjoyed gardening. Paul was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother Franklin Cooper and his sister Virginia "Ginny" Gibbs. Paul is survived by his sisters Dorothy (Charles) Genoe, Brenda (Shan) Collette and Carol (Kent) Harms all of Battle Creek. He also leaves his special nieces and nephews. Paul had many lifelong friends in Canada and very special friends Bill and Linda Demmer of Lansing, MI. Visitation will be from 9:00am to 11:00am Thursday, January 2, 2014 at First Wesleyan Church with funeral services beginning at 11:00am. Memorial contributions may be given to Paul's family in care of Dorothy Genoe. Arrangements are by Royal Funeral Home.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Dec. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Cooper

Sponsored by anonymous.

26 Entries

Aaron Sticht

July 6, 2023

Paul, I never knew you personally, however your music as a member of the Nylons brought me so much joy over the years. I feel blessed to have seen all four of you Marc, yourself, Claude and George three times in concert and I am grateful to remember you with fondness. The Stars are ours my friend!

Patrick

September 29, 2016

Reminiscing and remembering. Picking up the old times with those 'ancient' vinyl albums. Browsing through 'coming of age' purchases. And here they are again: all the albums of The Nylons. Very fond of the first album and the energy coming from those voices. My favourite, Paul, always very present. So sad and shocking to read so many years afterwards that Paul died. A bit late, but never too late to pick up this fabulous music again. I feel young again. Thanks to The Nylons. And Paul in particular. Thank you. And rest in peace.

Linda Constantineau

September 25, 2014

I was deeply saddened to find out about the death of Paul Cooper, I had seen him in concert quite a few times with The Nylons and enjoyed myself so much. I don't know what else to say except that it's a huge loss.
God Bless him, his family and all who knew and loved him.

Marlena McCarthy

May 30, 2014

I fell in love with a cappella music watching Paul and The Nylons in concert, and through their many albums. I was inspired to started my own a cappella quartet in Toronto and was introduced to Paul through his friend Michel. In awe of Paul, I was nervous when he said he wanted to attend our rehearsal. I quickly learned what a humble, kind and very generous person Paul was. He took our group Whirled Peas under his wing, not only coaching us but training us to work on a sound system, but inviting us to set it up in his living room and rehearse regularly from his home. He worked the lighting and sound at our shows. He also gave me singing lessons. I'm still singing a cappella in a professional quartet, and still live by Paul's lessons. Paul had also welcomed my husband and I into his family of friends, where we enjoyed many potluck/Pictionary nights for years. I truly treasure the time I had with Paul. He was a wonderful gift to this Island Earth.

John Roberts

May 24, 2014

I knew Paul through the 1970s and 80s when he was with the Nylons and before when he was concentrating on his acting career. We would run into one another in the strangest and unexpected places, cities we had not been to before and probably not again since. He smile and enthusiasm were contagious. Such a special man who brought so much joy to so many. He will be greatly missed.

Mac Chisholm

May 14, 2014

Shocked and saddened, a very special friend, was and will be an inspiration as long as I live.

doug boyko

February 18, 2014

The Nylons were never the same after Marc Connor died and Paul Cooper left. I wonder what could have been if God had changed his mind,

Dale Haldorson

January 28, 2014

I only knew him for a short time, but I learned soo much about his passion for music to me I looked up to him as a icon, and I and our Group ROAR at the time in Toronto. had the privileged to sing with him and did a few show's. he simply was amazing, and even was a huge part of our CD. I am not able to speak for our Group Roar, but for myself Dale Haldorson, I am deeply affected, I often pass by his old apt on Spadina and remember those day's very well like it was yesterday. I can re-call we always hugged our goodbyes. So I give you one last hug, my friend.

Richard Heuss

January 3, 2014

It is sad news, we had a loss when he left Canada and now we have lost him again. I remember his energy and enthusiasm; energy that he would pass on to you for you to use/recharge. Sparkle and shine so bright.
Richard

Bryan

January 3, 2014

what a loss for all of us.

May the wings of the Angels,take flight
From the island earth, and beyond the guiding light.

Ari Sadoi

January 2, 2014

May you find peace.

Ari Sadoy

January 2, 2014

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a man I know was greatly loved by all of you. My condolences to you Brenda, Dorothy, Jason and your entire family. Words can never express properly the sentiment when something of this nature happens. It is never easy. Jason, I am here if you need me, any day, any hour. I love you.

Sending all of my love your way.

Ari Sadoi

January 2, 2014

We are so sorry for the loss of Paul,you are all in our prayers and thoughts.
The Stanton and Fritz Families

Lisa Haas

January 2, 2014

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Paul's passing. To have seen Paul perform many times when he was with the Nylons was a true pleasure! His energy and voice on stage were both amazing. His voice, as big as his heart and his kindness unmeasured. Another angel gets his wings, and I can just hear him singing with Marc and Dennis now! May you rest in peace Paul and may your family find strength amongst each other as they travel this road of loss together. You will always be remembered!

January 1, 2014

Brenda & Dorothy, We are so very sorry for your loss of your special sweet brother. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love You All, Ralph & Suzie

January 1, 2014

We are deeply saddened at the news of Paul's death. He has been a dear friend of our family for many years, and was an incredible support to all of us through the illness and passing of our son and brother Frank. We send to all of Paul's family, to his dear friend Olivier, and to all who mourn his passing, our deepest condolences. He was such a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing him, and to the wonderful world of music.

The Nasello Family

Arlene Williams

January 1, 2014

I was shocked by the news of Paul's passing. As a friend and fan of The Nylons I was privileged many times to hear his wonderful voice and to have many conversations with him. am sorry for the loss to his family and also to the many fans he had. You will be missed Paul

Joel McGlothen

January 1, 2014

I may have only known you for a short time, but what a time it was! Thank you for everything paul. You will be missed. God bless you, and your family.

Joel McGlothen

January 1, 2014

I may have only known you for a short time, but what a time it was! Thanks for everything paul. You will be missed.

Jeff Woodworth

January 1, 2014

It has been such an honor and a thrill to get to know Paul and learn from his vast experiences and knowledge. Paul not only loved music, he believed in it. He believed that music moved people and that sharing your music could give people things that nothing else can. Paul taught us to be more than singers, he taught us to perform and entertain. We will miss Paul greatly, but we will carry on his spirit with all he taught us, just like his fans and students all over the world will. May God Bless is family.

Jeff Woodworth
Cereal City Barbershop Chorus

Sandy Harper

December 31, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Ronda "Ronnie" Hammond- Bowen

December 31, 2013

I first met "Uncle Paul" when I was just a little kid and "adopted" Dave and Ginny (his sister) Gibbs as my parents. He was always kind to me and made me feel special and never an outsider. I couldn't believe the loss I felt when I heard of his passing."Uncle Paul" You will be greatly missed by all and forever carried in my heart.

Lori

December 31, 2013

There will forever be a void in my heart and life. The beauty of his laughter could be heard for miles and miles and will be missed forever. I will miss you terribly.

Mike Flint

December 31, 2013

I'm very shocked and saddened to read about Paul's passing. Speaking as a huge fan of the Nylons for many years, the combination of Paul's presence, voice and songwriting were always one of the highlights of that group. The last time I ever got to see him was in March of 1992; he had only just left the group two and a half years before, and he had returned to the Toronto theatre scene with the International Drama Ensemble starring in a play called "The Learned Women", based on the work of Molière. I had met him before after concerts by the Nylons, but only long enough to get an autograph and a picture because there were so many people who wanted to meet him, too. This time I got to go backstage after the play and talk with him for about a good twenty minutes or so. I guess the play wasn't publicized so widely because he told me that I was the first Nylons fan to come and greet him afterwards!

As a huge admirer of his work, it was nice to finally be able to ask him so many questions about his songwriting, performing and his time spent as one of the founding members of the Nylons. The fact that he was so kind and engaging enough to answer those questions is something that made that meeting very worthwhile for me, and I'll never forget that. Although I'm happy that he's left fans of the Nylons and Three Men and a Tenor with a lot of beautiful songs and wonderful memories, I'm very sorry and sad that he's no longer with us, and I will miss him very much. Thank you for your kindness, personality, voice and songwriting, Paul. Listening to those songs you had a part in creating and singing in any group you've performed with won't feel the same anymore without you here to sing them again for us.

Rest in peace and may God be with you.

December 31, 2013

The stars are yours tonight...I will always love you

Beth

December 31, 2013

A beautiful man has left us far too soon. But his amazing energy will always be around us, and in our hearts. Love is what he sang about and love is what he left for us.

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