James John Cooper, Sundance, passed away on July 2, 2012 at the Dorsett Home in Spearfish, SD.

He was born the oldest son of Delvin "Bud" and Margaret(Koenig) Cooper in Phoenix, AZ on January 12, 1943. He grew up and attended school in Redfield, SD. He started working with his father, trucking for Cooper Livestock Trucking , Redfield, SD.

Jim married Karen Harms of Redfield on October 30th of 1960. Jim and Karen moved to Sundance, WY in 1964. He managed the Big D Gas Station. Then drove truck for Black Hills Packing and trucked across the United States. Jim also worked for Permium Oil, Gillette, as a pumper. Jim and Karen started Karen's Delivery Service, running parts across the Rapid City to Gillette area for six years. His favorite job, by far, was guiding hunters. He guided in Pindale, WY near the Green River for elk, moose, bear, and big horn sheep. He also guided hunters for whitetail deer in the Black Hills.

Jim's favorite holiday was the 4th of July. He invited the neighborhood children and all Karen's daycare children to the front yard. As he patiently unwound and untied thousands of firecrackers, he taught the children how to respect the fireworks. Jim loved company and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen; children, Monica Switzer, Livingston, MT (Kaci, Tate and Trey Switzer); Veronica (John)Widdoss, Spearfish, (Joshua and Denise Canfield); son- in-law, Terry Newlin of Sundance, (Ryan); Jay (Gloria)Cooper, Sundance, (Karleen and Chrystal); brother Tom (Kim) Cooper, Belle Fourche, (Brandon and Jesse), and sister, Kathy Cooper, Spearfish.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Lori.

Memorial services are pending for a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts and Isburg Funeral Chapels, Sundance. Online condolences may be written to www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.