James Albert Cooper, known to his family as James, was a father, husband, pastor, and community and civic leader but most importantly, he was a man with a great heart for God's people. James was born in Sabine County, Texas on January 29, 1952 to Allen Cooper, Sr and Mattie Juanita Nelson-Cooper. James attended school in Jasper County for most of his life. In 1966, James moved to San Antonio, Texas where he attended Phillis Wheatley High School. James graduated in 1970 and was apart of the final high school graduation class of Phillis Wheatley High School, known as the Omega Class. In 1970, James received and accepted a full athletic scholarship to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. While at UAPB, James participated and lettered in two sports, Football and Track and Field. In 1974, James graduated UAPB with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. After college graduation, James moved back to San Antonio and worked as an employee of the State of Texas Child Protective Services Department. James had a passion for the youth and he worked tirelessly for years in various community organizations. James was employed by the Alamo YMCA and the City of San Antonio working with the youth under the Sanyo Program, which was designed to train young people to become future leaders in the city. One of the organizations near and dear to James’ heart was the Southeast Apaches Football and Cheer. With this organization, James won two city championships and one state championship which led to him coaching 33 young men to the Pop Warner National Championship at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. James also coached track and field for the San Antonio Heat organization. During his time with the Heat, James coached numerous young people in shot put and discus, leading them to multiple appearances in the annual AAU National Championship. James had a heart for the people of San Antonio and specifically the Wheatley Courts. James walked the streets of San Antonio, with former mayor, Lila Cockrell, to stamp out drugs and create a police substation within the drug infested neighborhoods in the city. James' first ministry was providing for his family. He ensured that every person's needs were taken care of. He found his passion as he worked in the automotive distribution industry meeting countless people and building relationships with many companies and vendors. James worked in the automotive industry for 42 years until his final retirement in 2019. James had a deep passion for entertainment and was frequently surrounded by friends, enjoying activities such as playing dominoes, listening to music, and fishing. His love for these pastimes often brought people together, creating memorable moments filled with laughter and camaraderie. Whether he was strategizing his next move in a dominoes game, sharing favorite tunes, or casting a line by the water, James’s enthusiasm and joy were always evident, making these gatherings cherished by all who participated. While James loved the people of the community, he still had a love for God and wanted to serve others while spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. On April 12, 1990, James became a charter member and later a deacon of the Greater Good News Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop K.W. McIntyre. While with Greater Good News, James served faithfully in the church finance department from 1990 to 2005, coining the popular phrase, “Will you bank with Jesus”. James announced his call to the ministry on August 1, 1996 and preached his first sermon on September 22, 1996. James was later ordained as a minister on May 1, 1998, becoming the 9th son in the ministry at Greater Good News. On April 18, 1998, James married the love of his life, Kimolyn Dachelle Cooper. With more than 30 years of relationship and 26-years of marriage, they were marked by a profound and enduring bond that grew deeper with each passing year. From their early days together, James and Kim shared a connection that was both passionate and steady, supporting each other through life’s many challenges and triumphs. Their journey together was rich with cherished moments, from the quiet, intimate times to grand adventures and milestones. They built a life filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect, creating a home where their shared values and dreams flourished. Their partnership was not just a union of two hearts but a blending of lives that enriched each other in countless ways. Through the highs and lows, James and Kim's marriage remained a beacon of strength and joy. Their love story was a testament to their commitment to one another, demonstrating how a deep, abiding affection can weather the test of time. They celebrated their shared successes, faced difficulties with resilience, and found comfort and solace in each other’s presence. Their journey together was a beautiful testament to the power of God's enduring love and their partnership. In April 2002, James was called to preach in Seguin, Texas at the Greater Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Joe E. Barber. James became an associate minister where he served faithfully until 2006 when he was unanimously voted in as Pastor of the Greater Second Baptist Church. James was installed as Pastor on November 19, 2006 and served until May 5, 2024 when his earthly house began to fail. James loved the brethren and was a faithful member of several religious organizations including Baptist Ministers Union of Seguin and Vicinity, Guadalupe Landmark District Association, Ministers United for Ministerial Development (M.U.M.D.) and Texas Baptists. James loved to travel and frequently attended various events across the United States with these organizations. On August 17, 2024 at 2:03 pm, with his loving wife by his side, James turned his face and entered the Master's hands. James is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Sarah Nelson and paternal grandparents, Jink, Sr. and Mary Lee Cooper, mother Mattie Juanita Nelson-Cooper, father, Allen Cooper, Sr, two sisters, Alberta Richards Robinson and Lynda Cooper Waith (Roberto Waith), three brothers, Allen Cooper, Jr. (Deloris Cooper), Jeremiah Cooper and Robert Earl Cooper, Sr. James leaves to cherish his wife of 26 years, Kimolyn Dachelle Cooper, ten children, Renee Felder and Clevetta Green (Richard) of Dallas, Texas, Shaquita Cooper and James Cooper, Jr. of San Antonio, Texas, Brandon Norman of Sacramento, California, Jade Cooper of Killeen, Texas, Jeremiah Cooper of Houston, Texas, Jamir Cooper, Ravin Cooper and Kameron Cooper, all of San Antonio, Texas, three grandchildren, Ida Felder, Rachelle Felder, Sean Felder, all of Dallas, Texas, one sister, Lavada Cooper of San Antonio, Texas, two brothers, Vernon Cooper of San Antonio, Texas and Prentis Cooper, of Houston, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.