Obituary for James Cooper

James Stephen Cooper

October 19, 1992 – March 05, 2018

James Stephen Cooper of Ponca City, Oklahoma, unexpectedly departed this life on March 5, 2018. Most of his friends and acquaintances knew him by James, but to his family, he was affectionately known as Stephen.

Stephen was born on October 19, 1992, in Houston, Texas, to Shelby Glen and Kim Diane (Griffin) Cooper. He grew up in Houston until 1994 when the family moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana. In 2003 they moved to Ponca City to make their home. Following high school graduation in 2011 from Firm Foundation Home School, he worked at various businesses including Mertz, Easy Wireless and was currently working at Lowe’s.

Stephen had an affinity for animals and loved being around them. He was particularly fond of his cat, Machiatto, as he always had a smile and a caress for her.

From an early age Stephen had an infectious smile and never met a stranger. He had boundless energy and would always liven up any room he came into. He had an inquisitive mind and would constantly find something to explore outdoors which was a trait that he carried into his adult life. He loved kayaking and fishing with friends and family. Stephen had a knack for cooking which he developed at an early age and he loved to cook for his family and friends. His outdoor grilling and his special meals will be missed by all who knew him.

Stephen enjoyed working with his hands and was more at home building or creating wood projects. Working in the lumber yard at Lowe’s was a perfect job for this passion.

He was constantly brainstorming ideas for outdoor related businesses and those who knew him well were privileged to listen and help him develop his ideas. He was never short of ideas and was always reaching out for something new and unique to do.

Most importantly, Stephen invited Jesus into his heart at an early age and always gave of himself and what he had to others he felt were in need. He touched the hearts of many during his brief life with a big heart that matched his physical size.

He is survived by his parents, Shelby and Kim Cooper of Ponca City; three brothers, Glen Cooper of Ponca City, John Cooper of Ponca City, and Matthew Cooper and his wife Erica of Stillwater; a sister, Christy Cooper of Ponca City; three nephews; a niece; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Ruth Cooper; maternal grandmother, Lois Griffin; and an uncle, James Cooper.

Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 9th in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with Dr. Jerry Holt and Rev. Jim Constant officiating. A private family burial will follow.

A memorial has been established in his honor with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.

Find Rest and Peace, my son, in the arms of your loving Savior!