James Raymond Cooper

James Raymond (Jim) Cooper passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Biloxi, MS, following a 6 year valiant battle with cancer. Jim was born December 18, 1950 in Lakehurst, New Jersey. He lived most of his life in Gretna and Lafitte, Louisiana and for a short time in Long Beach, Mississippi and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Jim enjoyed a simple life, loved family, friends, animals and nature. He was truly a gentle soul. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. He is survived by 3 brothers, Jack Cooper (Laura) of Virginia Beach, VA, Robert (Shirley) of Marrero, LA, Daniel (Debra) of Gretna, LA, and 4 sisters, Frances Blondiau (Alfred) of Lafayette, LA, Melanie Alario (Terry) of Harvey, LA, Janice Jenkins (Ed) of Long Beach, MS and Teresa Dowdle (Wayne) of Gulfport, MS. 17 nieces, and nephews, and 15 great-nieces and nephews are left to mourn their Uncle Jim. He will be sadly missed by other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy James Cooper and Mercedes Abadie Cooper. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Veterans Administration for their care and treatment of Jim during his long illness, especially the staff of the Biloxi Veterans Hospital-Hospice Unit. It was Jim’s wishes that his body be donated for scientific research. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made in Jim's memory to the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.