COOPER, James R.

Today's News-Herald, Lake havasu City, Arizona - Published Monday, February 7, 2011 - James R. Cooper, 84, peacefully passed from this life Feb. 2, 2011, at Lake Havasu Regional Hospital. Jim was born in Orland, Calif., to John and Helen Cooper. He was the youngest of five children; his siblings were Bill, John, Susan and Katherine. The family moved to Oakland, Calif. in 1936, where Jim was educated at Whittier School. He graduated from Hayward Union High School in 1944 and joined the armed forces shortly thereafter. Jim served his country in the 511tn Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II in the South Pacific Theater. After completing his military duty in 1949. Jim returned home and fell in love with Gloria Jean Moreira. They were married May 6, 1951. Their marriage remained strong for over 59 years. Together, Jim and Gloria have two children, Susan Diane and James Ralf. They also have four grandchildren, Paul Joseph, Katherine Suzanne, Michael James and Kristen Diane. By 2009, Jim and Gloria were blessed with their first great-grandson Paul Joseph V, and soon after Nathan Charles. In 1960, Jim moved his young family to South Lake Tahoe, Calif. and began his own business, Cooper Roofing and Construction, in which he successfully owned and operated for over 35 years. Jim and Gloria remained in Tahoe for 39 years where he was an active member in his community, serving in the Optimist club, Rotary, a member of VFW and the Elks club. A devout Catholic, Jim was a proud member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church for over 35 years. Additionally, Jim served as a volunteer on the Lake Valley Fire Department, where he was elected Fire Commissioner, serving 1963-1967. Choosing a milder climate, Jim and Gloria moved to Lake Havasu City in 1998 where he enjoyed doing improvements around his home as well as fishing and boating with his grandson Michael. Jim and Gloria also enjoyed vacationing at Pismo Beach for the past 50 years. A Rosary and memorial viewing is 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at McFarlane Mortuary, 887 Emerald Bay Rd, So. Lake Tahoe, Calif. 96150. Church services are at noon Feb. 12 at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 1041 Lyons Ave, So. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. A reception will immediately follow at the Parish Hall. Interment will occur at Happy Homestead Cemetery, Feb. 14 at noon, 1261 Johnson Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family believes Jim, being a staunch conservative, would take great pleasure in having all donations sent to Tea Party Patriots, 1025 Rose Creek Drive #620-322, Woodstock, GA 30189. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.