James Andrew Cooper entered the pearly gates on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at the age of 86. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 16, 2021 in the Chapel of Bright-Holland Funeral Home Chapel, 2601 Lamar Avenue, Paris, Texas with Rev. Demp Greer officiating.
James, also known to many as “Bud” or “Mudflap”, was born in Wilson, TX to Andrew and Lurlie Mae Cooper on March 10, 1934. He was married to Faynell Hodges on April 12, 1952. They were blessed with three children, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
He worked in the West Texas oil fields until the 60’s when he moved his family to the Paris area. He was a truck driver until he retired. This is where he gained the nickname “Mudflap” because when he flew by someone, all they could see was his mudflaps flapping in the wind. He was a hard worker, a jokester and even at times a hell raiser.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Faynell, his parents, and sister, Virginia Lee Gibson. He is survived by his children – Jackie Wood, Andy Cooper and wife Doris, and Valarie Sanchez; grandchildren – Kelli Worthey, Lucinda Wells, Edie McKinnon, Balta Sanchez; and great grandchildren – Tyler Godfrey, Bettye Cooper, Mattlynn and Wesley Draper, Brannt McKinnon and Jonah Worthey.
He will be remembered and missed for all the little jokes he liked to tell and asking, “Have I told you this one before?” with a big grin, knowing that he had told them to us many, many times before.
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