James Cooper Sr.

Pastor James David Cooper, Sr. of Danville, Illinois left this earth from the Danville Care Center just before noon on Saturday, February 13, 2016. He stepped into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as a forgiven sinner and a beloved son at that very moment. His early life was poor in earthly goods, but rich in wisdom, truth, family, and laughter. He was born to David Colvin and Sarah Evelyn (Smith) Cooper in Birmingham, Alabama on March 17, 1929. His family moved to Muskegon, Michigan later that year, where he grew up in a Christian home with his brother William and sisters Virene, Katherine, Mildred and Sarah Mae (Sally). His parents and siblings preceded him in death. He graduated from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1954. He then attended Central Seminary, and was a lifelong learner who encouraged his children and friends to study out truth for themselves. In 2010, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Indiana Baptist College for his lifetime of service. He could fix anything that was broken, loved to putter around with his tools, looked for unconventional solutions, tended to burst out into song at odd moments, and took every opportunity to tell others about his Savior. Every single day of his life he was looking for Christ to return for His children. "Perhaps today!" Pastor Cooper married the "most beautiful woman in the world," Anna Mae (Dayian) Cooper on May 30, 1952 and celebrated 63 years of marriage with her. They prayed together every day, enjoyed the arrival of six children, and planted and ministered in churches throughout Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, including 25 years in Paris, Illinois. In recent years, he was a member (and former visitation pastor) of Faith Baptist Church of Danville, Illinois. He leaves a rich legacy for his wife, Anna, and his children Janice (Stephen) Green, David (Diane), Daniel (Beth), Steven (Rita), and Joy (Garry) Geer. His son James, Jr. preceded him in death in 2002. His thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren brightened his life, especially when they sang with him. A celebration of James' life will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Faith Baptist Church in Danville with Pastor Allan Rudie officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 PM prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Oakhill Cemetery. Memorials can be made in James' name to Faith Baptist Church or Indiana Baptist College 1301 W County Line Rd, Greenwood, IN 46142. Please join James' family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com