James M. Cooper, age 67, of Waupaca, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 10, 2024,
surrounded by loved ones in his own home, after an 8 year battle with health complications.
James, nicknamed Jimmy, grew up playing in the streets of Iola where he attended high school. He met the love of his life, Debra, at the Waupaca square in 1976 and they were married in 1980. They bought a fixer-upper in Weyauwega in 1984 and with his love of remodeling and house projects, the renovations continued over the next 20 years. He and Debbie enjoyed hosting the family gatherings, dart league and their dogs. Along with Debbie came Chrissi and Sarah, taking them on as his own and creating many memories including snowmobiling and camping. This continued with his grandchildren that he enjoyed spoiling. Mercedes “Bud, Miranda “Randi”, Marissa “Pumpkins”, Amanda and Chase, all held a special place in his heart.
After 37 years at the foundry, he was forced to retire in 2016 due to his kidney removal and cancer diagnosis. A house in Waupaca was purchased to downsize and self-remodeled to be closer to dialysis and family. He lived there enjoying out the last 7 years of his life with Debbie by his side, as well as their Dobermans, Maggie and Piper. He loved the Green Bay Packers
James is survived by his wife, Debra Cooper; brothers, George (Michelle) Cooper and Jerry Cooper; sister, Joan Holland; daughters, Chrissi (Jeff) Robbins and Sarah (Greg) Tryba; son, John Altman; grandchildren: Mercedes Graham, Miranda (Krzysztof) Rus, Marissa (Nick Swenson) Graham, Amanda Hanson and Chase Martin; nephews: Alex (Rachel) Cooper, Bill Cooper, Eric (Katie) Holland; niece, Lindsay (Nuno) Bilkes; great-grandchild, Laken Derozier; cousins: Holly (Dennis) Jorgenson, Tom (Candice) Weiss, Sally McIntyre, Wanda (Joe) Pleshek, Kent Waush, Kurt Waush, mother-in-law: Jean Tester, sisters-in-law: Peggy (Dave Ehrenberg) Tohm, Karen (Brad) Huven, Sue (Mike) Heidger; brothers-in-law, Gary (Jackilee) Tester, Steve (Liz) Tester and their children.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Boettcher and Lloyd Cooper; grandparents, Rita and Raymond Waush; uncles, Mike Waush and Ray (Janice) Waush; aunt, Karen Weiss; father-in-law, Robert Tester; brother-in-law, Bobby Tester; nephew, Damion Tester; and cousin, Kyle Waush.
The Memorial Service will be on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 3 p.m. at the Maple Crest Funeral Home. The visitation will be on Saturday at the funeral home from 12 pm until the time of the service.
A special thank you to his care team of Dr. Spencer and Dialysis team at Fresenius Waupaca and his neighbors, Helen and Kevin Luebstorf, Eric Omit, Kylene and Mike Parman and special thanks to Braden Parman for the extra help.