Obituary of James COOPER

James R. Cooper peacefully passed from this life February 2, 2011 at Lake Havasu Regional Hospital at the age of 84. Jim was born in Orland, California to John and Helen Cooper. He was the youngest of five children; his siblings were Bill, John, Susan and Katherine. The Family moved to Oakland California in 1936, where Jim was educated at Whittier School. He graduated from Hayward Union High School in 1944 and joined the armed forces shortly thereafter. Jim served his country in the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II in the South Pacific Theater.After completing his military duty in 1949 Jim returned home and fell in love with Gloria Jean Moreira. They were married May 6, 1951. Their marriage remained strong for over 59 years.Together, Jim and Gloria have two children, Susan Diane and James Ralf. They also have four Grandchildren, Paul Joseph, Katherine Suzanne, Michael James and Kristen Diane. By 2009 Jim and Gloria were blessed with their first Great-Grandson Paul Joseph V, and soon after Nathan Charles.In 1960 Jim moved his young family to South Lake Tahoe, California and began his own business "Cooper Roofing and Construction" in which he successfully owned and operated for over 35 years.Jim and Gloria remained in Tahoe for 39 years where he was an active member in his community serving in the Optimists Club, Rotary, Member of VFW and the Elks Club. A devote Catholic, Jim was a proud member of St Theresa's Catholic Church for over 35 years. Additionally, Jim served as a volunteer on the Lake Valley Fire Department, where he was elected Fire Commissioner serving 1963 to 1967.Choosing a milder climate Jim and Gloria moved to Lake Havasu, Arizona in 1998 where he enjoyed doing improvements around his home as well as fishing and boating with his Grandson Michael. Jim and Gloria also enjoyed vacationing at Pismo Beach where they have done so for the past 50 years. A Rosary and Memorial viewing will be held 7:00 pm on Friday, February 11th at McFarlane Mortuary, 887 Emerald Bay Rd, So. Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150. Church services will be held 12:00 noon, Saturday, February 12th at St Theresa's Catholic Church, 1041 Lyons Ave, So. Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150. A reception will immediately follow at the Parish Hall. Interment will occur at Happy Homestead Cemetery, Monday, February 14th al 12.00 noon, 1261 Johnson Blvd., So Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150.In lieu of flowers, the family believes Jim, being a staunch conservative, would take great pleasure in having all donations sent to: Tea Party Patriots, 1025 Rose Creek Drive #620-322, Woodstock, GA 30189.Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.