James F. Cooper

James F. Cooper (Jim), son of Virgil and Ruth Cooper, passed peacefully on January 7, 2024 at 3:30 am in Westfield after a long illness. His wife Lynn was at his side. Jim was born on May 13, 1938 and was 85 years old.

In addition to his wife, Jim is also survived by his two sons, Greg and Brian Cooper (Wendy), of Carmel, Indiana; his stepson, Don Heed (Marcee), of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and his stepdaughter, Sarah Lewis (Anthony), of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren Jesse Cooper, Khyrin and Blake Heed, and Jahlil and Amaya Lewis.

Jim was born and raised in his beloved Crown Point, Indiana until 1993 when he moved to Indianapolis to live closer to his two sons.

Following graduation from Crown Point High School, Jim promptly joined the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. Soon after, he decided to go to college and received his Master of Arts in Education degree from Ball State University of Education in 1966. Jim began his elementary teaching career with 4th graders, was promoted to Principal when he was 29 and later served as Assistant Superintendent in the Tri Creek School Corporation. Jim left such a positive impact on the lives of his students and their families.

He was also very active with the Shriners for several years and led the Ritual Cast.

In “semi-retirement”, Jim enjoyed running an automobile business, managing a small golf course, auctioneering, and running an educational book business.

Always curious and willing to try new things, Jim was never short on ideas for new projects, such as woodworking. He also enjoyed and owned older classic cars, but no other hobby gave him as much satisfaction and fun as building and flying his two airplanes as often as he could.

Jim was a dedicated family man who encouraged and supported their endeavors. He never knew a stranger! His personality was one that affected everyone around him with his sense of humor and antics to his compassion and generosity for others who needed help. He was a great husband, dad, and grandpa who loved to spoil the grandchildren. There is no doubt he will be sorely missed.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 E. Carmel, Dr., Carmel, IN 46032. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, with the service to follow at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial gift be made to the Caroline Symmes Children Cancer Endowment.