James “Jim” Cooper
June 6,1947 - April 26,2025
Funeral Details: At Jim's request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral or celebration of life. Interment will take place at a later date at Fairhaven in Moncton, NB. Jim would love knowing his friends raised a glass to some wonderful memories and a rich life well lived.
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Cooper, Barrie Ontario, after a blessedly brief but valiant battle against cancer.
He was the son of Arthur Cooper and Theresa Gauthier of North Bay. He is survived by his life long love wife Shelley, son Shane, daughter Elizabeth, grandson Thomas and brother Tim (Niccie) McDonald.
Jim had a huge appetite for life and laughter and adored spending time with friends and family. Jim was an avid and skilled archer, hunter, trapper, and fisherman and when he started to tell one of his stories, it made you want to hitch your chair in just a little closer. He had no enemies, only friends he had yet to make.
Jim served his country with a long military career, joining the army in 1965, and was among the first armoured corps personnel to be trained with the infantry in London, Ontario. He served in the Armoured Corps with the RCD's, LDSHRC, and VIII Hussars and, later, with the Air Force as an Aircraft Machinist and instructor at base Borden, ending his career in Toronto at DCIEM in 1997. He served tours in Cyprus, Egypt and Germany.
His happy place was in a salmon stream or in a forest or creating precision instruments in his workshop – from much sought after fishing rods, salmon flies, arrows, or finally tooled machine parts. His skills as a marksman were legendary. He adored a good laugh, a great meal, and an adventure as long as it was shared with friends or beloved family. Jim had an enormous capacity for enjoying life and it touched everyone he met. He savoured life like a juicy steak or smooth scotch - and so many people don’t. Such a big space he will leave in this world. And, while his family grieves his passing, knowing that memories of his exploits and hilarious stories will bring more smiles than tears to comfort them.
The family would like to thank their friends and neighbours for their kindness and support during these last months.
Tim McDonald
Posted on: Thursday, May 1, 2025R.I.P. Big Bro. We will miss you. And yes you will leave a big empty space in this world. Love Tim & Niccie.
Sam & Nasim
Posted on: Thursday, May 1, 2025Dear Shelley and Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Jim. Though we only had the privilege of knowing him for a couple of years as neighbors, he left a deep and lasting impression on both of us.
Jim was the kind of person you do not come across often. He always had a warm smile, a kind word, and he never rushed a conversation. He took the time to truly listen, to share stories, and to connect. That kind of presence feels increasingly rare in the world today. His warmth and kindness brought a sense of comfort and community that we will always appreciate.
We fondly remember how thoughtful and generous he was, especially when he offered to help during my wife’s pregnancy. He was always happy to lend tools, share his knowledge, and speak with pride about his remarkable machining skills. His craftsmanship was genuinely impressive, and it is touching to know how much care he put into everything he created, even if time did not allow him to finish all of it.
Learning more about Jim’s life, his service, his love for nature, his sense of humor, and his joy in sharing adventures with those he loved, has only deepened our admiration for the remarkable man he was. He lived with a full heart and left behind a quiet light that continues to shine in the lives he touched.
Jim will be deeply missed, and we feel truly grateful to have known him. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the memories you hold bring you comfort, peace, and even a few smiles in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Sam and Nasim from across the street