James “Jim” Arthur Cooper, a lifelong resident of Stevens Point, WI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on January 10, 2024, at the age of 78.
Jim was born November 29, 1945, in Stevens Point; son of the late Roman and Mary Ann (Glodowski) Cooper. He went through the Stevens Point Catholic school system, where he excelled in his studies. He attended St. Peter Elementary School and Pacelli High School, graduating in 1964.
Jim then attended Regis College in Denver, CO, where he studied accounting. He was elected Class President and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1968. While at Regis, Jim also met his college sweetheart, Karen Hack, who was attending a nearby college, Loretto Heights. The two were married on July 13, 1968 in Karen’s hometown, Chicago, IL. While they initially were going to live in Denver, the US Government had different plans for them. Jim was called up to serve his country in the Army Reserves and, from 1968 until 1974, Jim was ready to be called to active duty if necessary. After completing his basic training, he and Karen returned to Stevens Point, where Jim began working at Cooper Motors; a family owned business, founded by his grandfather. Jim worked alongside his father, Roman Cooper, and proudly took over the business in 1969. He was a trusted and well-respected businessman, and successfully ran the business until his retirement in 2008.
Jim was an active member of the community, serving on numerous Boards of Directors, including Pacelli High School, Rotary Club, Serra Club, St. Stanislaus Finance Committee, Catholic Diocesan Board & Finance Committee, Anchor Bank, and Wisconsin Auto & Truck Dealers. Additionally, he served as President of the Board for the YMCA and Stevens Point Country Club. Jim was truly a man of dedication; to his his family, his career, and his community. Jim’’s Catholic faith was another aspect of his life that was very important to him and, in 1990, he and Karen were invited to join the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre.
Jim had a great number of interests and was often characterized as a man of routine. He enjoyed his Wednesday nights at Hot Shots, golfing on Thursday afternoons, Friday night fish fries at the Stevens Point Country Club, and Sundays in the Fall and Winter, cheering on his favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. Furthermore, Jim was a loyal friend who was lucky enough to count many friends in his life he’d had since childhood. Jim was also fortunate to have traveled the world with his family and close friends. Jim’s family meant more to him than anything and he was present at all of his children’s sports and activities. As a family, they spent weekends and summers at their beloved cottage in Northern Wisconsin, starting in 1984. Jim loved being at the lake, spending time on the boat, sitting around the fire, surrounded by friends. He was a devoted grandfather whose grandchildren brought him much joy.
In December of 2016, Jim suffered a severe stroke. Due to the amazing care and unconditional love from Karen, as well as the loyalty and support he received from his family and dear friends, he was able to maintain a good quality of life. He always retained his sharp intellect and witty sense of humor, enjoyed the company of loved ones, and accepted with grace and dignity the difficult last chapter of his life. Jim’s family is incredibly grateful to all of the caregivers who took such wonderful care of him over the years; especially Kayla Zblewski and Donna Brandl.
Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karen; his daughter, Elizabeth Cooper of San Francisco, CA; his son, David (Kaaryn) Cooper, and their children, Isla and Wyatt, of Prior Lake, MN; his daughter, Jennifer (Matt) Packard, and their children, Charlie, Madeline, and Owen, of Hingham, MA; and his daughter, Annie Cooper (Nick Hourigan) and their children, Olive and Nora Hourigan, of London, England. He is also survived by his younger brother, Michael Cooper; and his sister-in-law, Nancy Cooper.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Mary Ann; and his younger brother, Robert Cooper.
The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jim’s honor to one of the following organizations: The National Stroke Association, Holy Spirit Parish (2151 Stanley Street; Stevens Point, WI 54481), Pacelli Catholic Schools (1301 Maria Drive; Stevens Point, WI 54481), the Stevens Point YMCA (1000 Division Street; Stevens Point, WI 54481).
A Mass of Christian Burial for James will be held at 3pm on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church - 2151 Stanley St. Stevens Point, WI. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Holy Spirit from 2pm until the time of services on Thursday. A private family burial at Guardian Angel Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.
Posted online on January 16, 2024
Published in Stevens Point Journal
