James L. Cooper Sr.

HONORING DISTRICT ELDER JAMES LEE COOPER, SR.:
A LEGACY ROOTED IN FAITH AND FAMILY

District Elder James Lee Cooper, Sr.  was born on January 21, 1941, to the union of Ellis Palmer and  Ethel Lee Cooper (nee Harris), in Ruleville, Mississippi, a small town located thirty-seven miles south of Clarksdale.   

When James was just 10 years old, the Cooper family made the move to Clarksdale, a city that would become the backdrop for his formative years. It was in Clarksdale that James received his formal education, a foundation that would prepare him for a life dedicated to faith, service, and leadership.

One of the most striking memories James had from his childhood was his first encounter with electric lights when his family moved to Clarksdale. Having grown up in a more rural setting, the modern conveniences of the city were a source of awe and wonder for young James. 

Moving to Clarksdale proved to be more than just a geographical shift for James—it was a life-changing moment. It was in Clarksdale that he met the love of his life, Doris Ann Porter. The two were united in marriage on July 24, 1964, and their union was blessed with ten children, leading to a legacy of over forty grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their love and devotion to one another spanned over forty-seven years, until the Lord called Deaconess Doris Ann Cooper home on December 23, 2009.

As the family grew, so did James’ desire to provide for them. In April of 1966, he made the decision to move his family to Illinois, seeking better opportunities for their future. Doris and their three children followed later that year, and it was there that James embarked on a journey that would forever change the course of his life.

In the early 1970s, James was searching for a deeper connection with God. He visited several churches in the area, but none seemed to fulfill the longing in his soul. That is, until 1971, when James was led to Christ Temple Church in Joliet, Illinois, where his children were attending, which was pastored by the then, Elder J.E. Moore.

On his very first Sunday at Christ Temple Church, James was baptized in the Name of Jesus. This service, which was held at the church’s Collins Street location, marked a significant turning point in James' spiritual journey. It was also a symbolic moment for the church, as it was the last service at that location before the congregation moved to its new home on Clay Street. James marched with the church family to their new place of worship, marking the beginning of a new chapter in both his life and the life of the church.

Not long after his baptism, James was filled with the Holy Ghost, a profound experience that deepened his faith. Doris Ann followed him into the faith six months later, which allowed James to assume his spiritual role as the head of their household, fulfilling the scripture in Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

District Elder Cooper’s unwavering love for the Lord, his family, his pastor, and the Christ Temple Church family set the stage for his rise in the service of Christ. His passion for witnessing and spreading the Gospel was especially evident in his efforts to help the church grow, particularly through his outreach in the City of Aurora. His commitment to the faith and the church's mission made him a respected and cherished member of the Christ Temple family.

Throughout his years of service, District Elder Cooper held a variety of key positions that allowed him to serve both his congregation and his Lord. He was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, and Chairperson of the Minister’s Alliance. But perhaps one of his most notable accomplishments was becoming Christ Temple’s first deacon to be ordained as a minister.

Bishop J.E. Moore often recalls how he patiently waited for District Elder Cooper to accept his calling into ministry, sensing the powerful leadership that resided in him, as he wanted to appoint him as his assistant pastor.  In 1988, Elder James Cooper was officially appointed as the Assistant Pastor of Christ Temple Church in Joliet, IL.

In addition to his role as assistant pastor, District Elder Cooper also served as the overseer of the Minister’s Alliance and the Pastor’s Alliance departments and the current Sunday School Teacher for the adult men’s class. He was known for his wisdom and dedication to training and supporting his fellow ministers. 

Commitment to Education and Ministry

District Elder Cooper’s commitment to growth—both personally and within the Church—extended beyond his local congregation. He was among the first enrollees at the Midwest Apostolic Bible College, which is now known as D.R. Bell Apostolic Bible College.  

District Elder Cooper also served as a member of the Board of Elders with the Illinois State Council and also within the Pentecostal Churches of Apostolic Faith Association, Inc. (P.C.A.F.I.). 

His hard work and dedication culminated in two major milestones in his ministry. In 1998, District Elder Cooper was ordained as an Elder at the National Convention in Los Angeles, California. Then, in 2000, he reached another significant milestone when he was ordained as a District Elder at the Mid-Winter Convention in Jackson, Mississippi with the P.C.A.F.I. These ordinations marked the acknowledgment of his years of faithful service and the recognition of his leadership within church body.

Leadership Across the Illinois State Council and Professional Success

District Elder Cooper’s influence and leadership extended far beyond Christ Temple Church. He served as the District Elder over several churches within the Illinois State Council, including Bethel Apostolic Faith Church, Victory Apostolic Faith Church, Robbins Apostolic Temple, Lighthouse Apostolic Church, Azusa Faith Apostolic Church, and Christ Temple Church in Ottawa, IL. 

But District Elder Cooper’s life wasn’t defined by just his spiritual work; he also made significant strides in his professional life. While working at G.A.F., he became a licensed electrician. Under the guidance and direction of his pastor, Bishop Moore, District Elder Cooper pursued a career in the electrical field.

His new career path not only allowed him to support his family but also to make a name for himself as a hardworking and honest businessman in Joliet. He later went on to teach electrical courses at Job Corps, sharing his knowledge and skills with the next generation. Eventually, District Elder Cooper opened his own business, Cooper & Sons Electric, where he worked alongside his sons, solidifying his legacy both as a father and a community leader.

His reputation for integrity and quality workmanship became well-known in the city. He later expanded his business and opened Do-Rite Electric, adopting the motto: “Any job big or small, we do it right or not at all.”

A Life of Love, Faith, and Legacy

In 2010, District Elder Cooper was blessed to find love once more when he married Sister Willette Yarbrough on October 23, 2010. Their love story was a beautiful chapter in his life, as he affectionately called her his "Baby Doll," and she called him her "Teddy Bear." Together, they shared many wonderful travel experiences, including District Elder Cooper's first cruise to the Bahamas, his first trip to Cancun, horseback riding in Florida, and touring the star-studded streets of Hollywood, California.

Above all, District Elder Cooper cherished his time with his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, creating lasting memories during the annual grandkids day on the 4th of July. These moments of joy with his loved ones were some of the highlights of his life.

One of the many qualities that defined District Elder Cooper was his unwavering faithfulness to his leader and spiritual father, Bishop J.E. Moore. He embodied true servanthood and demonstrated a deep love for souls. His dedication to sharing the Gospel and leading others to Christ was evident throughout his life. One of his signature messages that he often shared was: “It’s heaven or hell; you can’t miss them both.”

District Elder Cooper is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved first wife Doris Ann Cooper, four sons—James L. Cooper Jr., Cornelius Cooper, Leonard Cooper, and Patrick Cooper—seven sisters—Enola Love, Rachel McClenton, Mattie Keyes, Bernice Cooper, Florence Grocesley, Eloise Beasley, and Arcyle Edwards—and two brothers, NJ Gibson and Jack Cooper.

Though he is no longer with us, District Elder Cooper's legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, the countless lives he touched, and the lessons he imparted to those around him. His dedication to family, his love for the Lord, and his lifelong commitment to serving others will always be remembered.  He went home peacefully to be the Lord on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 in the comforts of his own home.

Cherishing the Memory of District Elder James L. Cooper

District Elder Cooper leaves behind a loving and devoted family that will carry on his legacy of faith, love, and service. He is survived by his wife, Willette Cooper, with whom he shared a deep and abiding love; two daughters, Faye Cooper-Sparkman of Joliet, IL and Brenda (Robert) Bolden of Loganville, GA; four sons, Rodney (Likishia) Cooper of Lockport, IL, Keith Cooper of Stone Mountain, GA, Demetrius (Tiffany) Cooper of Lockport, IL and Cedric (Ursula) Cooper of Joliet, IL; daughters-in-law, Tamara Cooper of Joliet, IL; Elymra Cooper of Atlanta, GA, special granddaughter, Brenda (Tycus) Hill of Lockport, IL and special grandson, Rodney D. Cooper of Joliet, IL; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; one sister, Odessa Huggins of Joliet, IL; one  brother Ellis (Betty) Cooper of Pasadena, CA; sisters-in-law, Denise Shepherd of Charlotte, NC, Alicia (Argusta) Smith of Kenosha, WI; Renee Auston of Marion, AR, and Elizabeth (Matt) Piekert of Killeen, TX; brothers-in-law, David (Keilan) Hollowell of St. Roberts, MO; Jesse Yarbrough of Killeen, TX; special daughters; Rhonda Cooper of Stone Mountain, GA, Turra Wilson of South Holland, IL, Tracy Lindsey, Mary Dotson and Gwen Bass, all of Joliet, IL; Godson’s, Elder Veodies (Connie) Isom of Tampa, FL, Melvin (Keyarra) Campbell, II of Bloomington, IL, Michael Thames of Chicago, IL, Titus Thames of Saudi Arabia, Brian Kelly of Fayetteville, GA, Joe Hinton of Lockport, IL, Andre Dove of Spokane, WA; special friends; Deacon L.C. Aldridge, Mother Gazella Burks and Deacon Willie Berry, all of Joliet, IL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, extended family members and the Christ Temple Church family. 

District Elder Cooper’s legacy is not only carried on by his family but by the countless lives he touched throughout his ministry and personal life. His love, wisdom, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.

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