James Lee Cooper

James Lee Cooper, 74, of Hamshire, died Wednesday, December 18, 2024. He was born June 12, 1950, in Port Arthur, to Goldie Ruth Cooper and John Cooper, Jr.

James loved to travel and grew up in a military family. He lived in Taiwan, California, Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, and Texas throughout his life. He followed his family’s footsteps and joined the Marine Corp in 1969 and served 2 years in Vietnam before being honorably discharged.

James was a proud graduate from Lamar Institute of Technology and received his associate degree in applied science and proudly wore his college ring throughout his life.

He was musically inclined and enjoyed singing in church choirs, playing the guitar, piano, harmonica, and singing to his wife and children. He was a passionate bowler and was bowling 5 nights a week at the peak of his life, while also traveling to bowling competitions. He successfully bowled a perfect 300 score and several 299 games.

James also enjoyed building and making things. He was a welder by trade and enjoyed carpentry work. He helped build several homes from scratch and did numerous projects at his own home as a hobby. James also made many intricate stained-glass pieces, including a chandelier for his kitchen. He also attempted his hand at leatherwork.

Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Cooper; daughters, Sarah Loller and husband, Kenneth Loller, and Brittany Waltman and husband, Kenneth Waltman; son, Bryan Stanley; granddaughters, Brelynn Meissner and Leilynn Waltman; brother, Robert Cooper; and stepmom, Anne Cooper.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of Mr. Cooper’s family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 30, 2024, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Cooper’s honor may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.