James (Jim) Curtis Cooper, 73, of Vero Beach died peacefully after a valiant struggle with Parkinsons and Multiple Myeloma on July 29, 2018, with loving family at his side. He was born to the late Benjamin L. and Lillian (Biggs) Cooper in Charleroi, Pennsylvania on September 3 ^rd , 1944. He received his bachelor's degree from Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa and studied computer science in graduate school at Washington State University. Later he attended the University of Houston at Clear Lake City, Texas to study environmental studies. He married Pamela J. (Clark) Cooper in Vero Beach on May 6, 2000.

Jim's thirty-year career at the space center was a life-long dream. He felt privileged to be a part of the team that worked on over 100 shuttle launches that put many astronauts into space. He was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club and was awarded the Shuttle Honoree of the Manned Flight Awareness program. Jim was an ordained minister and life-long member of Community of Christ where he served in numerous capacities throughout his life. He was passionate about nature and participated in countless nature-related activities including trail maintenance in multiple locations, working as an eco-tour guide, and becoming a Master Naturalist.

Jim was a kind and gentle person who loved to spend time with family and friends. He was known for his wit, sense of humor, love of music and genealogy. He connected with people of all ages during his many years of service in youth camps and as a caregiver for the elderly. He sang with the Silver Tones, the Treasure Coasters, and his church choir, and from high school to the last days of his life he sang at any event that gave him the opportunity. He loved to document his family history and had researched back 200 years in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

Jim is survived by his wife Pam and his children; Deborah (David) Bartlett of Winter Springs; Jonathan (Tammy) Cooper of Glen Burnie, Maryland; grandchildren, Ashley and Alec Bartlett, Ryan and Kaleigh Cooper; sister Janet (Richard) Mehas; sisters-in-law Tonia Cooper and Joy Cooper and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was also loved by his wife Pam's son Eric (Ana) and their sons Brandon and Nathaniel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers Benjamin and Thomas Cooper.

We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to his special caregivers: Laurie, Jamie, Tangula, Wendi, Joan, and Jonathan. Also, we are grateful to the VNA Hospice that provided weekly and daily support.

The Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 AM, August 25, 2018, at The Plaza, 884 17 ^th Street in Vero Beach. The service will be followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community of Christ, 1901 Emerson Drive, S.E., Palm Bay, Florida 32907 or the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County, 2300 5 ^th Avenue, Suite 150, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to do so on this memorial page.