James Dewey Cooper of Fredericksburg passed away Thursday, September 26, at the age of 93 at Knopp Nursing Home in Fredericksburg, Texas.

James is survived by his daughter Becky Kalson and husband Robert of San Antonio, four step-daughters, Carole Reed and husband Jim of Fredericksburg, Connie Pressler of El Paso, Debra Perrett and husband Rick of Spring Branch, Jody Tower and husband Keith of Leavenworth, WA, and one step-son Michael McClure and wife Michelle of Blanco.  "PaPa Jim or grandpa" as James was lovingly referred to is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Coleman and Ella Mae Cooper, brother, Albert O. Cooper, sister, Geneva F. West, three wives, Norwilla Warner, Melba McClure, and Bernadine Purser Apple and two children Michael James Cooper and Lera Szuck  and one stepson, Gene Apple.

James was born on April 27, 1931 to Coleman Dewey and Ella Mae Cooper in Wilmington, California.  Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he attended school. He only went  through the 10th grade at Capitol Hill High School, when the desire to serve his country overcame his desire to finish high school.  James joined the Navy on January 25, 1948.  While in the Navy he did finish High School.  After serving four years and being Honorably Discharged from the Navy, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma to study Pre-Med.  Upon graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1956, he enlisted in the Army and rose to the rank of Major.  After serving in Korea and Vietnam, he retired from the Army.  James loved his career in the Navy and the Army usually serving on the hospital ship in the surgery wing.  He always wanted to be a doctor, but family responsibilities stood in his way.  After retirement he worked at various careers, including teaching Biology in high school, selling medical equipment, and even served in City politics on the Texas coast. In later years, he moved to Cain City and eventually to Fredericksburg where he remained until his death.

James was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Fredericksburg.  He served on numerous committees and loved driving the van to pick up church members that could no longer drive and the children for Vacation Bible School.

James was many things to many people in his life, by the best thing he was, was "Dad", he came into his children and step-children's lives at various ages and was a great father for us even though most of us were adults when he came into our family.  Unconditional love is what he gave as well as Christian guidance.  We will all miss his hugs and words of encouragement.

There will be a distribution of James ashes and a graveside service at a later date at the Stockdale City Cemetery in Stockdale, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Votive Hospice, Golden Hub, The Good Samaritan, or charity of choice.

The  family is very appreciative of the excellent care that our dad received while living in the Knopp Retirement Center,  the Knopp Nursing Home  #2 and the services of Votive Hospice during the past seven years.  Dad was loved by all the staff that worked with him and he made many new friends with the residents in these centers.  The family will always be grateful for the wonderful care our dad received.