James Wilbert Cooper

James (Jimmy) W. Cooper was born at Freedman's Hospital Washington, DC on September 20, 1936; he was the only child to the late Obera Cooper. He was educated in the Washington, DC public school system and graduated from Armstrong High School. Jimmy joined the Catholic faith while in high school. After high school Jimmy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he dedicated 4 years of service. In 1957 he was introduced to a young woman by the name of Barbara Walker as a blind date at the Ghanaian Embassy as they were celebrating its independence. He reenlisted in the U.S. Army in early 1960. He received several awards, commendations, medals for various actions. Jimmy and Barbara courted for three years until he worked up the courage to ask her father for her hand in marriage in 1960. He was deployed to Germany just days after their marriage. In December 1960, his bride joined him. While stationed in Germany, the Cooper's enjoyed traveling Europe extensively. After being deployed back to the States, he worked for the Pentagon as an Intelligence Analyst. Jimmy was then deployed to Vietnam, he was medevac'd back to the states where he spent quite a lot of time in military hospitals. Jimmy was always interested in education and expanding his mind. He loved to read about different things from espionage to cooking, and from photography to electronics and woodworking. He was so fascinated by dentistry he attended Montgomery College where he received training in becoming a dental technician, and started his own business. Jimmy also went to Capitol College where he received a few certifications for electronics and circuitry. He was always recreating himself. Jimmy and Barbara loved to entertain. He was best known for his love of cooking, especially his fascination for Asian Cuisine. Summertime was known as CRAB FEAST time. Relatives and friends would look forward to that time when he would mecca across the Bay Bridge to get a bushel (or two) of crabs. If you left the house hungry, it was your fault. James and Barbara put on the Ritz. In the late 70s Jimmy had a passion for amateur radio, he spent several hours learning Morse Code, and trying to teach his youngest child code. He built a tower that could be seen for several miles before you actually drove up to the house. He took delight in driving some of the neighbor's wild, interrupting their television signals with his coding. He was able to communicate with people all over the world, even as far as Russia. In 1975 Jimmy became a Free Mason, he received his first degree from Acacia Lodge # 21, Washington, DC. He transferred to the Roscoe C. Cartwright, Lodge No. 129, where he was a dedicated member for many years. He later joined and was a charter member of the Charles H. Wesley, Lodge No. 147 where he served as financial secretary for a few years. Jimmy was a prankster and loved to have fun, playing jokes on his family and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 52 years, his children Kimberly, Mark, Tracey; his his loving sister Miriam Jamison, brother-in-law James Barnes, his Aunt Carrie Lawrence (Harry) and a host of relatives and friends. He will be dearly missed, but God has called home one of His children.