Rev. James Curtis Cooper, Sr.

On July 9, 1949, Lonnie and Allie Cooper, Sr. of Pearl became the proud parents of their ninth child, James, who was nick-named SHAG. James had an infectious smile and a genuine zest for life and a heart for people. During his earlier life, James was educated at Carter High School in Brandon, MS. He received an associate degree from Hinds Community College in Criminal Justice and wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. In 1974, the Mississippi Highway Patrol integrated its unit when the department recruited only four blacks to fill its racial quota. Under pressure by the Justice Department and the Supreme Court to recruit more, the Highway Patrol hired forty-one recruits in 1978, which included thirty-four blacks. One of them was Patrolman James Cooper, who was the commencement speaker, thus landing him in the historical archives for Americans. He was no stranger to hard work and was "jack of all trades." He was a dedicated truck driver for over thirty years. He also ventured into real estate and culinary arts. He retired after many years in the public work force, b it that didn't slow him down. He loved working in the community. In 1991, he became founder and owner of jj's Development Center in the Pearson Community. James was reared in the church. He was a lifetime member of Mt. Elam M.B. Church where he served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and deacon for over seventeen years. He preached his first sermon in December of 1998 with a message entitled, "The Danger Zone." He later became the pastor of New St. Matthew Church, where he served for over fifteen years. James preached his final message on July 21, 2024, at his beloved MT Elam M.B. Church with the message of "Be Who You Say You Are." His final message was a testament to how he lived. In 1999, James married the love of his life, Sheila Jenkins Cooper. Together, they have a blended family of four: Miranda, James Jr., Jonathan, and Bryce. In addition to his children, he had a special bond with his grandchild, J’Karius, whom he raised while richly impacting their lives. When he was not enjoying family, he was at I's cooking or lending a hand while his wife ran the day-to-day operations. James was known to all the children as "Paw Paw." Now that he has faithfully executed all of life's responsibilities, the Lord has called himhelia, labor to reward. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of twenty-five years, Shella; four children: Miranda Ward of Dallas, Texas; James Cooper, Jr. (Juani) of San Diego, California; Jonathan Cooper of Springhill, Florda; Bryce Gilbert of Pearl, MS; seven grandchildren: Aminah Fareed, Omar Fared, Alicia Cooper, Silvia Cooper, Noeme Cooper, Jordan Cooper and Makayla Cooper; two grandchildren: j'Karius Gilbert and Khloe Gilbert; and two great grand-children: Mina Marie Fareed and Sebastian Cooper. Siblings: Hester Cooper of Indianapolis, Indiana; Gloria Durr of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Fred Cooper of Jackson, MS; Lonnie Cooper, Ir., (Barbara) Little Rock, Arkansas; and his loving father and mother-in-law Henry and Earline Jenkins, Sr. of Pearl, MS. Preceding him in death are parents Lonnie and Allie Cooper; along with siblings: Ellaweese Perry, Bobbie Jean Mangum, Mary Sue Trigg, Alberta Nichols, and Eddie Cooper.

Rev. James Curtis Cooper, Sr.

July 9, 1949 - July 22, 2024