James E. Cooper, 73

James E. Cooper, age 73, of Stevens Point, died October 23, 2018, following a struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Jim was born on May 28, 1945, to the late Earl and Marguerite “Peggy” (Glennon) Cooper in Long Beach, Cali. His family settled in Texas after the war; mainly in Big Spring, Texas. The years spent in west Texas formed a lifelong love of the state.

Jim always said they kidnapped him when his family moved back to Stevens Point when he started the 7th grade. He attended St. Stephen Catholic School and graduated from Pacelli High School in 1963. Jim then attended Wisconsin State University-Stevens Point where he graduated with a double major in History and English.

There were two significant events in dad’s college years. He joined the Siasefies, leading to many memorable adventures and forever friendships. The second event was his meeting of “the pretty girl in the white coat” in his philosophy class. Dad married that pretty girl, Kay Schoenberger, June 10, 1967, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Tigerton, Wis.

After college, Jim went to work for his dad and took over the business when his dad retired in 1971 due to health issues. Building Cooper Oil with hard work and a desire to provide the best customer service ran deep. Instilling a strong work ethic was important to Jim, and the family has worked together for over 60 years. Jim never really stopped working or retired, but when he did take a break, they loved to drive the roads of Wisconsin enjoying the scenery and a delicious meal.

Jim will be remembered for his eclectic set of interests. He had a passion for reading and a never-ending quest for knowledge. Jim read everything, including the obituaries in any newspaper he ever opened (We sure hope this one meets his approval). He was an avid historian, with a focus on WWII. There was not a war documentary or History Channel show he hadn’t seen numerous times. Jim raised bees and enjoyed their honey. He also loved trains and would talk of just hopping on a train as it rolled out of the station. Jim enjoyed the simple things life had to offer and loved a witty remark, from someone else or of his own.

“I still think probably the only thing I am suited for is being a boy from Texas.”

He is survived by his wife, Kay; children, Bill (Jennifer), Mike (Tara), and Amy (Greg) Yockey; grandchildren, Natalie, Megan, Kellen, and Quinn; brother, Don (Cathy) Cooper; sister, Pat Boyer; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Mike) Gaab and Shannon Schoenberger; brother-in-law, Dick (CeCe) Schoenberger; nieces and nephews; extended family and great friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law; Dave Schoenberger and Bob Boyer.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2018, at St Joseph Catholic Church. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Boston Funeral Home and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be held in St Stephen Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or a local charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank those staff members at Maple Ridge Memory Care and Heartland Hospice that provided him with excellent care and comfort in the past year.

Online condolences may be made at bostonfuneralhome.net.