The passing of James "Jim" McKinley Cooper, of Fredericton, NB, husband of Gloria (Hayter) Cooper, occurred on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the York Manor Nursing Home. Born in Alma, NB on May 17, 1936, he was a son of the late Walter and Hattie (McKinley) Cooper. As a member of the RCMP while stationed in Oliver, BC he met his wife. They decided to return to NB where Jim went to work for the Department of Transportation and retired as Chief Driver Examiner after 31 years. In his early years he was an avid hunter and enjoyed fly fishing. Many years ago Jim decided that the shots he would take would be with a camera. He would spend many an hour in the wilderness watching the beauty of the animals and the nature around them. In addition to his wife of 49 years, Jim is survived by his son, Jimmy Cooper (Louise Berube) of Fredericton; daughters, Valerie (John) MacDonald of Noonan and Denise (Roger) Ring of Fredericton. Jim was known as "Pappy" to his grandchildren, Crystal, Josh (Melissa), Sean, Jamie, Oliver, Emily, Erin and Sarah; and great-grandchildren, Eala and Johnny. Also surviving are sisters, Frances (Mansel, Dec) Armstrong and Elsie (John) O'Reagan, both of Alma; sister-in-law Georgia (Rutherford, Dec) Cooper, also of Alma. Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brothers Walter (Hazel, Dec) and Rutherford Cooper; and a sister, Margaret Stevens.
There will be no visitation by request of the family. A Celebration of Jim's Life will take place at York Funeral Home's T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 2 pm with Rev. Peter Thomas officiating. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the IWK Children's Hospital, Memorials to St. Stephens United Church, Alma, or to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com