James W. Cooper Jr.

Jake Cooper (71) of Simpsonville passed away on August 3, 2019 after a short battle with lung and liver cancer. He was born in Beaufort, SC, son of the late J.W. Cooper, Sr. and the late Sue D. Mahoney. His family later moved to Greenville where he graduated in 1965 from Greenville High School.

In July of 1966 he joined the United States Navy and served on the USS Intrepid including 1 tour of Vietnam. He then joined the United States Army and served 2 additional tours in Vietnam. The Army re-activated him in 1990 and he did 2 tours as a First Sergeant in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Jake retired from the Army Reserves after 28 years of service earning the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, as well as many other awards and decorations. Jake also retired from Greenville County Recreation District after 21 years of service where he was a maintenance supervisor for all the pools in the Recreation District. Jake has been very active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, serving numerous years as Commander of VFW Post 1845 in Simpsonville and, most recently, as quartermaster.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Betsy; 2 sons Trey (Dixie), and Matt (Melissa); and 4 grandchildren, Hannah, James, Joseph, and Dalton; brothers, Gregg (Linda), Ken (Mary Jane), and Bob; brother-in-law, Donnie (Mindy) Buhrmaster of Mount Pleasant; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, Jake was predeceased by his youngest son, Joey Cooper; his sister, Jane Cooper Carson; and nephew, Johnathan Henderson.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Open Arms Hospice for their exceptional care during Jake’s illness. Their compassion and dedication to both Jake and Betsy is so greatly appreciated.

A celebration of Jake’s life with full military honors will be held on Sunday, August 11 at 2 pm at Heritage Funeral Home, 313 North Main Street, Simpsonville. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: Open Arms Hospice, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville SC 29680.

Condolences to the family of James W. Cooper Jr.

  • Kelly K
    5 years ago

    A light has dimmed but will forever be emblazoned on my heart. Will miss you Daddy Jake. Strength and love to you Betsy!

  • BJ Harrison
    5 years ago

    Jake, you were an amazing man, soldier and soulmate to Betsy. You are missed by many.

  • Wilton Fowler
    5 years ago

    My prayers go out to the family of Jake Cooper and to the members of District Four and VFW Post 1845 we have lost a great Comrade and friend May you Rest In forever Peace. Betsy, Family please know we are here for you
    Wilton Fowler
    SC VFW State Chaplain

  • Larry Budzowski
    5 years ago

    To Jake’s family, friends and comrades. We will miss his smiling face and his humor. We will miss his comradeship. We will miss his love of our country. We will miss him!

  • So sorry, Trey and family, for your loss. Your HIS Radio family is praying for you.

  • mary ann noel
    5 years ago

    A heart felt thank you for Jake’s tremendous contribution to our country’s service. It will not be forgotten. Every life touches another. Jake will be remembered for all that he was for his family, friends, and his country. May he rest in peace. Betsy, be comforted by knowing you have many people who love you, but most of all, by a God who loves you and promises to never leave you.

  • Patricia A. Wilson
    5 years ago

    Betsy, I am so sorry to learn of Jake’s passing. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you.

    Trish (Arnetha’s mother-in-law.

  • Ray Brown
    5 years ago

    Our country has lost another true hero, that has served our country, protecting all of us. He served everyone, even thou there are many who do not ever thing about how the men and women gave there all so they can have the right to do what they want and say anything against this great nation. So I just say for all of them, Thanks Jake for serving and being wounded ,for freedom for all. God Bless you and your family. And God Bless America.

    Ray Brown, staff member of Heritage Funeral Home

  • Debbi Appleton
    5 years ago

    Betsy, Paul and I are so saddened by Jakes passing. Our prayers go out to all of his and your families. We will miss him and will keep you in our prayers.

    Love you, Paul and Debbi Appleton

  • Thelma & Kirby Ballew
    5 years ago

    Betsy.and family, prayers for you as you go through this sad time. Only those whom have walked this path, know the pain you feel. Much love to a long time friend.
    Thelma Jones Ballew

  • Butch Turcotte
    5 years ago

    It was an real pleasure for Judy and I to be a part of both your lives a few years back. I think back often at the times we spent at the VFW, the golf tournaments we ran, and just hanging out. Betsy, we have both lost special people, but they memories will live on. The world has lost a giant !!

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