James R. "Jim" Cooper, resident of Forsyth

James R. "Jim" Cooper, resident of Forsyth, Mo, formerly of Crete, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, at the age of 91 in his home surrounded by his wife, 2 daughters and 1 son-in-law. He was born on December 31, 1934, in Berwyn, Illinois to Laurence and Mildred (Rogers) Cooper.

Jim will be greatly missed by his wife Ellie of 36 years and combined family of daughters Veronica (Stuart) Hess, Michelle Cooper, Tammy (Barry) Edmonson, Tania (Joe) Ciaccio, Wendy Domrose, Son Randolph J. Schreiber, Jr. and 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his parents, children Tommy Cooper and Carol Aigner and sister Phyllis Stein.

Jim grew up in La Grange, Illinois and graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1953. He took a 2-year course at a nearby mechanical trade school and shortly was hired by the Ford Motor Company, Chicago Heights, Il. where he worked for 38 years as a Die Maker until he retired in 1993. He was a member of the UAW Retired Workers since 1993.

Jim and Ellie got married on June 30, 1990, and were baptized on July 1, 1990, at Deer Creek Christian Church in University Park, Il. Jim was a strong man, physically and in character. He had a strong work ethic and enjoyed working with his hands. He was a caring man who wouldn't hesitate to help someone in need, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling jokes.

In his younger years, Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles, water skiing, boats and fishing. After he retired, he enjoyed 33 years of an easy, fun-filled life in Arkansas and Missouri with Ellie. They cherished the visits from their families and friends. Together, they enjoyed Jim's passion for fishing on the White River and Lake Taneycomo along with his love for horses and mules. He enjoyed riding and driving his mules and horses with old-fashioned wagons. He and Ellie belonged to the West Plains Wagon Club for 14 years. He enjoyed carving miniature wood figurines and was a member of the Arkansas and Missouri Woodcarvers. He was a serious fan of NASCAR racing and loved to watch Kansas City Chiefs football games.

In 2014, Jim decided it was time to give up the farm, and he and Ellie moved to a condo in Forsyth, Mo. They joined the Branson Hollister Senior Center and the Forsyth Senior Center where they enjoyed great meals and met many new friends.

Jim was a grateful and active member of Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Fellowship for 50 years. He received his 50-year coin at his bedside brought to him by a caring member.

A private family Celebration of Life is planned at a later date this summer in Illinois.