James W. “Tommy” Cooper

April 13, 1929 - January 2, 2018
James W. “Tommy” Cooper

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James W. (“Tommy”) Cooper, 88, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock after a period of declining health. He was the son of Medford J. Cooper and Junivee Redden Cooper. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lorene Gossett, and a brother, Medford J. Cooper, Jr.

Tommy was raised in the Valley Hill Community and attended Flat Rock High School. From 1947-1949, he served in the US Navy. Tommy was co-founder of Industrial Maintenance Overflow, (I-MO-CO), in 1964 and served as President. In 1967, he founded Cooper Construction Company, a 50-year-old and third generation general contracting firm, and he retired in 1980 at the age of 57.

Upon his retirement in Sebring, Florida, Tommy became an avid bass fisherman. A lifetime houndsman and bear hunter, he traveled throughout the US and Ontario enjoying his sport. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville for over 40 years and a member of the Jimmy Cobb Sunday School class.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Laura Roberts Cooper; their sons, Tom and wife, Marie, Jeff and wife, Lynn, and Mike and wife, Pam Cooper, all of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Brad, Zach, Lane and Greg Cooper, Kelly Ford, Krystal Horan, Marci Raniszeski and Kerra Johnson; sisters, Sybil Kimbrell, Ruth Shepherd, Naomi Hollifield and Sandra Rubin; twelve great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Hendersonville First Baptist Church. The Reverends Brad Cooper and Steve Scoggins will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:15 am at the church. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.


Service

Saturday, January 6, 2018
11:30 AM

First Baptist Church of Hendersonville - Directions
312 5th Avenue West
Hendersonville, NC 28739

Burial

Saturday, January 6, 2018
1:00 PM

Forest Lawn Memorial Park & Mausoleum - Directions
538 Tracy Grove Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Visitation

Saturday, January 6, 2018
10:00 AM - 10:00 AM

First Baptist Church of Hendersonville - Directions
312 5th Avenue West
Hendersonville, NC 28739

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  • January 06, 2018
    Bob Quattlebaum says:
    Years ago when Poplar Lodge was being remodeled, I was thrilled to be able to purchase a bearskin rug from Tommy Cooper. As I recall it was from one of his hunts and was so large, that he thought it would be best displayed on the wall of a much larger room than he had at the time. The  Poplar Lodge bar area was that perfect place. The Lodge was filled with many interesting things but no single item was more admired and talked about than that beautful rug.  Mr Cooper was a Christian, Southern gentleman. If he told you something or agreed to something, you could take it to the bank. In appearance and demeanor, he reminded me of another Christian, Southern gentleman I greatly admired, my father.  Mr Cooper's  bearskin rug still hangs on the wall at Poplar Lodge. Never have I looked at it that I didn't think about Tommy Cooper and Cecil Quattlebaum.

  • January 06, 2018
    Henry Johnson says:
    To the extended Cooper family, my heart goes out to you. I know you have great memories of Tommy, who I was not privileged to know. Enjoy those memories, and rejoice in the knowledge that he is still with you in heart, mind, and spirit. Thinking of each of you in your sorrow and celebration. Peace and Love to all.

  • January 06, 2018
    David and Jo Ann Fain says:
    Dear Laura and family. David and I are so sorry for your loss, but glad you had all this time together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories ever live with you and help you through these hard times. Love and blessings, David and Jo Ann

  • January 06, 2018
    Cathy Wells says:
    Using A.G. Lotz’s analogy, Pop has moved into his Father’s house! What a beautiful picture of love, grace & redemption! We rejoice for Pop & pray for comfort, strength & peace for the Cooper family! Physical separation is painful & leaves a footprint on our hearts but God promises, through Jesus, Joy Comes in the Morning (Psalm 30:5)!!! Cherish your memories! Love & Prayers!!!

  • January 04, 2018
    Alton Connor says:
    Laura, Tom, Jeff, Mike and family ~ My heart goes out to each of you in Tommy's passing. You all have gone above and beyond the call of duty in seeing that his physical needs were met and now, he is at peace with the Lord, and I pray that each of you can find peace in knowing his suffering is over. This is a temporary separation - you have the promise you will see him again one day. May God's grace sustain each of you in these days and weeks ahead! Each of you is special to me in your own special way! With love, prayers and deepest sympathy ~ Alton