James Louis Cooper

James Louis Cooper, whom everyone called Jimmy, passed away at his home in Moundville, Ala., on Sunday, May 7, following a brief illness. He was 74.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Moundville. Magnolia Chapel South is entrusted with arrangements.

Jimmy was born in Tuscaloosa to Louis “Junior” and Mary Cooper; who raised him in Moundville. He graduated from Hale County High School in 1967 and went on to study automobile mechanics at Shelton State.

At just 20, Jimmy married the love of his life, Glenda Davis, and moved to Tuscaloosa. In 1971, the couple welcomed their only child, Louis “Gene” Cooper. Jimmy worked for decades as an auto mechanic at several garages around Tuscaloosa, most substantially at House’s Garage on River Road and Alberta Texaco in Alberta City.

When Glenda passed away in 2011, Jimmy retired to Moundville. In the years since, Jimmy could be seen motoring about Moundville and Tuscaloosa, enjoying his day, often with his dogs in tow.

Two of Jimmy’s biggest passions in life were the outdoors and animals. He loved going to the Black Warrior and other nearby rivers to fish and soak up nature. His best friend was always the dog in his life at the moment, including many over the years like Midnight, Sam, Boss Man and Harry. He also loved watching old western TV shows and Star Trek.

Over his lifetime, Jimmy attended various churches, most recently including Southside and Saint Luke United Methodist Churches.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Glenda. He is survived by his son, Gene Cooper, of Pensacola, Fla.; his sister, Janis Cooper Toxey of Moundville; his nephew, Davie Higginbotham, of Moundville; his first cousin, Ann Poe, of Tuscaloosa, and his special friend, Ann Stokes, of Tuscaloosa.

Pallbearers include Davie Higginbotham, Drury Kelley, Charles Lamb, Tim McCray, Bobby Tidmore, and Ted Stephens.

Jimmy’s honorary pallbearers include L.C. Hoggle, Billy and Faye Rigsby, Jerry Higginbotham, Linda McNeff, Leroy Patterson, Rev. Paul and Shirley Peeples, Pam Smith, Rev. Melody Traylor, Mike Carter, Wanda Cooper, Keith Davis, and David Flowers, as well as the congregation of Saint Luke UMC, the members of Hale County Class of 1967, the doctors, nurses and staff of UAB Cardiac Care Unit and the sweet ladies at Loves Sitting Service.