Jimmie Cooper Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel - Eaton Rapids on Apr. 28, 2025.
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Jimmie Gary Cooper, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on January 20, 1943, Jimmie lived a life defined by quiet strength and an enduring love for his family. Jimmie was born on January 20, 1943, to Burneda Reynolds Cooper and J.D. Cooper. At the time of his birth, J.D. was serving overseas in World War II and didn't meet his son until Jimmie was three years old. Their relationship, shaped by time and circumstance, was a strained one. That dynamic carried forward into Jimmie's own journey as a father-which, though not always close, was steady in its own way and left a meaningful, if complicated, mark. In the early 1950s, Jimmie and his family moved to Lansing, Michigan, where he attended Foster Elementary School, Pattengill Junior High School, and Lansing Eastern High School. During those formative years, Jimmie developed a close friendship with Kenneth Nelson, who became a regular fixture at the Cooper household-stopping by each morning for breakfast before the two boys headed off to school together. Jimmie had many hobbies throughout his life, but one of his favorites was racing cars with his younger brother, Bill. Together, they spent countless weekends at Onondaga Raceway and other tracks across the region, pushing limits and sharing laughter in the garage and on the track. Their teamwork and passion earned them multiple trophies over the years-a proud testament to their bond and love of speed. Jimmie met and married Karolyn Kennedy, and together they shared 25 years of marriage. During that time, they welcomed two daughters, Jamie and Karie, whom Jimmie doted on. Though he may not have always expressed his love in conventional ways, his pride in his daughters was unmistakable, and he held them close in the ways he knew how. Outside of racing, Jimmie enjoyed working on small engines, gardening, and all-around tinkering-skills that came naturally to him and brought him a quiet satisfaction. His knack for fixing things eventually led to a job with the Kan Smacker company, where he worked until his retirement. After retiring, Jimmie returned to Arkansas to live with his mother, bringing his journey full circle and finding comfort in familiar surroundings. Anyone who knew Jimmie knew that his grandchildren were his pride and joy, beginning with his eldest, Corey. He lit up when talking about them, and they brought out a softer, warmer side of him that those closest to him cherished. His love for them was steady and unmistakable, a legacy of care that will live on through their memories of him. We ask that you keep Jimmie's six grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers, as this is a very difficult time for all of them. Corey, Courtney, Cameron, Kira, Kiana, and Clayton were all very close to their grandfather, whom they lovingly called Granddad. Each of them shared a unique and special bond with him-memories full of quiet lessons, warm laughs, and a love that will continue to echo in their lives.
Jimmie was preceded in death by his father, J.D., his brother, Billy, and his mother, Burneda. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Karie and Jamie; Jamie's children-Corey, Courtney, Cameron, Kira, and Kiana-and Karie's son, Clayton. He is also survived by his nephew, Charley Cooper. He also had six great-grandchildren who will grow up hearing stories about their Granddad: Cole, Avery, LJ, Willow, AJ, and Taitym. Though he is no longer with us, the memory of Jimmie Gary Cooper will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
A memorial service will be determined at a later date.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Ash Flat Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care and support during Jimmie's final days.
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