James Cooper Jr.

James Cooper, Jr. was born on April 12, 1948, in West Point, Clay County, Mississippi, to his loving and hardworking parents, James Cooper, Sr. and Carrie Cunningham Cooper. From an early age, Mr. Cooper was known for his determination, strength, and strong work ethic. Throughout his life, these qualities showed in how he loved his family, served others, and pursued every endeavor with purpose and integrity. As a child, Mr. Cooper was a member of Strong Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he built his spiritual foundation. He often spoke of his experience coming forward and making his conversion on the mourner’s bench, a defining moment in his faith journey. The values he embraced during those early years remained a guiding influence throughout his life. Mr. Cooper graduated from Fifth Street High School, where his love of football began. Proudly wearing number 56, he became known for his determination and presence on the field. Football remained a significant part of his life and became one of the many ways he encouraged and mentored young people. After high school, Mr. Cooper attended Mississippi Valley State University, where he continued his education and played football as a guard. In 1972, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. He furthered his education at East Stroudsburg University and the University of Maryland. Also in 1972, Mr. Cooper moved to Pennsylvania and married the love of his life, Eva English. Together, they built a family and a life rooted in love, faith, and perseverance. Pennsylvania became the place where Mr. Cooper would leave an enduring mark as an educator, coach, entrepreneur, husband, father, grandfather, and mentor. In 1974, Mr. Cooper began his career with the Harrisburg School District as a Physical Education teacher, serving with dedication until 1990. During his tenure, he taught generations of students at Camp Curtin Elementary, Marshall Elementary, Hamilton Elementary, Steele Elementary, Edison Intermediate School, Harrisburg Middle School, and John Harris High School. Mr. Cooper brought energy, humor, and enthusiasm to his classes. He believed physical education could develop much more than athletic ability—it could teach teamwork, discipline, confidence, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Among his memorable contributions was organizing Olympic-style games that brought students from Marshall Elementary and Melrose Elementary together at John Harris Field. Students competed in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter dashes, shot put, and long jump, creating an atmosphere of excitement, healthy competition, and lasting memories. His passion for football continued through coaching. As the Junior Varsity Football Coach for the Harrisburg Cougars, Mr. Cooper led his team to a championship victory. Yet, for him, coaching was never simply about winning. He sought to help young people discover their potential, develop confidence, work hard, and build the character needed to succeed both on and off the field. Mr. Cooper’s commitment to young people also extended beyond the school setting. During the 1970s and 1980s, he and Eva served as weekend house parents for at-risk boys through the Harrisburg Volunteers of America (VOA) program. His commitment to healthy living continued when he became head coach of a championship A-League women’s softball team sponsored by VOA. Whether in a classroom, on a football field, or within the community, Mr. Cooper consistently found ways to guide and uplift others. His entrepreneurial spirit was another defining part of his life. Mr. Cooper was especially known and beloved throughout the Harrisburg community as the owner of Camp Curtin Bar-B-Que Station. More than a restaurant, it became a cherished gathering place where people came together over good food, conversation, and fellowship. Through the business, Mr. Cooper shared not only his entrepreneurial vision but also his generosity, personality, and deep connection to the community he called home. Along with his dedication to education and the community, family remained among Mr. Cooper’s greatest sources of joy. He was a devoted husband to Eva and remained a steadfast source of love and support throughout their marriage. He stood beside her as she continued her own spiritual journey as a member of Shiloh Church of God in Christ (COGIC), respecting and encouraging her dedication to her faith and church. Together, they built a partnership that endured for more than five decades. To his children, Mr. Cooper was a father, teacher, protector, and example. He taught not only through his words but through the life he lived—to work hard, love deeply, remain strong in difficult times, and always carry oneself with integrity. He treasured his children and grandchildren and took immense pride in watching his family grow. His love and influence extended to his siblings, nieces, nephews, friends, former students, athletes, and countless others who had the privilege of knowing him. On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Mr. Cooper peacefully transitioned from labor to reward. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Cooper, Sr. and Carrie Cunningham Cooper; siblings, Irene Brewer, Willie James Cooper, Estella Cooper, Mary Cooper, and Rosetta Cooper Jackson; and brother-in-law, Charlie Frank Gibson. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Eva English Cooper; children, Iris Cooper, Katrina Cooper, and Daquann Williams (Kaamilah); grandchildren, Sterling Cooper, Ezekiel Bonilla, Isaac Bonilla, Nylah Gross, Quadir Holmes, Kadin, and Daquann Williams, Jr.; honorary grandson, Micah Parsons; great-grandchildren, Stouri Cooper and Amira Cooper; siblings, Jannie Gibson, Willie Mae Bobo (Alonzo), and Carrie Bobo (Maurice); beloved aunt, Ada Mae Cunningham Harris; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, former students, athletes, and community members. Mr. Cooper leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by accomplishments alone. It lives in the family he loved, the young people he guided, the students he taught, the athletes he coached, the community he served, and the many lives he touched along the way. From Mississippi to Pennsylvania, from the classroom and playing field to Camp Curtin Bar-B-Que Station, Mr. Cooper lived a life marked by perseverance, generosity, faith, and an unwavering commitment to those around him. His greatest legacy, however, will always be the love he gave his family and the lessons he left behind. Thank you for being a great father. Thank you for teaching us to work hard, love deeply, stand tall, and live with integrity. The lessons you gave us will remain in our hearts and guide us for a lifetime. His life was a gift. His memory is a treasure. His legacy will live on forever. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS, OR LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery: 8:30 a.m., Friday, September 25, at Shiloh Church of God in Christ.

James Cooper Jr.

April 12, 1948 - September 8, 2026