James A Cooper, Jr.

     On that great get up morning of November 10, 2020, James Allen Cooper, Jr answered the final call to come home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

     James  "Cooper" as he was affectionately known was born October 26, 1934, to Alice Wiggins Dozier and James A. Cooper, Sr in Middletown, DE. He was 86. 

     James received his early childhood and secondary education at Middletown 120-C School for Children of Color. Meanwhile, during the construction to replace the smaller school, James along with 5 other students from the MOT area choose to be bussed to William Henry High School in Dover, DE to continue their education until the completion of the new Louis L Redding Comprehensive High School opening in 1952. James was both academic and athletic in school. He was a member of the Louis L Redding Comprehensive High School Track Team and received numerous awards for his skills. 

     James, along with Alma Henry, William Henry, Warner Henry, William Ford and William Smoot made history being the first graduating Class of 1954 from Louis L Redding Comprehensive High School in Middletown, DE. James was a member of the Louis L. Redding Alumni and looked forwarded to attending their Annual Alumni Dance and any other events they sponsored. 

     After graduating James joined the US Army where he served for several years, he would often tell the story about being stationed in Germany. After leaving the military, he returned home and gained employment with Lee's Luggage Wear in Clayton, DE until he pursued better employment with Crown Zellerbach later known as Gaylord Container in Newark, DE until his retirement in 1996. 

     Once he retired he worked for his son Darryl at Cooper's Auto Detailing until his illness prevented him from continuing to work. He was so Godly proud and found it an honor to work for his son. He was always proud of all his children and grandchildren's accomplishments, rather big or small. 

     He would make sure he made his rounds visiting his children and grandchildren no matter the distance that he would have to travel to see them. He would look forward to and enjoyed the rides out with his daughter Francine and her husband Ted. He loved going to visit his brother Johnny Cake and cousins in Middletown. He had a special place in his heart for his 1st cousin Celestine Woods, he would tell stories about the two of them in their younger years growing up. He truly loved his family and would tell everyone he spoke to that he was from Middletown and was a "Wiggins". He would brag about the Wiggins Family being excellent cooks and would say that his granddaughter "TaRona" (Booker) as he called her, had those Wiggins cooking skills and loved family dinners where she would cook. He always enjoyed watching NCIS, Criminal Minds and Family Feud with his wife Florence. 

     James was a faithful member and servant at Ebenezer AME Church in Chesapeake City, MD (Concord), where he served as Trustee and the Men's Day Committee. He loved the Lord and would always tell everyone he talked to that "The Lord has been good to me and my family." He also let it be known to everyone how beautiful his daughter Pam could pray and she always prays with him and Florence before hanging up from talking to them. He would also say: all of my children have been good to me.

     James was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Florence Y. Cooper, both parents Alice Wiggins Dozier (step-father Vernon), James A. Cooper, Sr, Brother, John S. Wiggins, (3) grandsons, Kevin Cooper, Elijah Watson & Cliffton Jefferson, Jr., (1) granddaughter Sasha Cooper.

     James leaves to mourn his passing: (3) Daughters, Pamela Watson (Eugene), Francine Boyd (Ted) and Danna Monroe; (2) Sons, Kelvin Cooper and Darryl Cooper (Valerie); (1) Dedicated Step Daughter Melvania Jefferson (2) Step Sons: Vique Jefferson( Christina) and Clifton Jefferson; (16) grandchildren TaRona Hunter( Dexter), Eugenia Henry, Jesikah Cooper, Ashley Cooper, James Henry, Tierra Henry, Tia Cooper, De'Andre Cooper, Quamee Watson, April Archie (Rev Joseph Archie, III), Eli Jefferson, Aaron Durham, Damion Jefferson, Sharde Jefferson, Iesha Jefferson, Simone Jefferson; (28) great grandchildren; (5) sister-in-laws, Justine Wiggins, Rosie Miller, Ida Mae Raison, Darlene Yellowdy, Ernestine Garnett; (2) brother in laws, Percy Garnett and Morgan Garnett; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

     A Homegoing Celebration of Life will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Christ the Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 3135 Summit Bridge Road, Bear, DE 19701 where there will be a viewing from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Saturday.  COVID-19 protocol will be in effect.  Committal service will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 23, 2020 at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701.  Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

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