I'm thankful that I have been given the opportunity to express publicly how the life of Jim Cooper affected me these past 40 years.

This is not a Eulogy but an account of the experiences my wife and I had with Jim.

If I had to choose one adjective to describe Jim it would be FAITHFUL (Webster Dictionary defines it as the true believer).  No matter what circumstances we found ourselves in, whether it was relaxing in Florida or sitting on the roadside after an accident, Jim was faithfully praising the Lord for blessing or deliverance.

I have an acrostic of the word FAITHFUL as it applies to Jim:

F  Father  I was fortunate to have two Fathers, one who was related to me physically and Jim who was my spiritual Father and mentor.  I not only received spiritual advice from Jim; his lifestyle left an everlasting impression on my life.

A  Attitude  Whenever I was discouraged trying to complete some job, Jim always had a positive attitude.  "Well, Bill, I think we can fix that up" - my pump lost it's prime, he came over and found the leak in the line;  I didn't know how to build the kitchen cupboards, in no time he gave me a hand and I was rejoicing with him.

I  Interested  Whether it was my hobbies, volunteer work in Welland, my friends, Jim gave full interest.

T  Teachable  Introducing Jim to a new approach, helpful hint, interpretation of a word, the time signature in music - He listened and accepted my advice - later on he would tell me how my advice came in handy.

H  Helpful  There have been a number of carpentry jobs Jim has helped me complete - installed my garage door opener, fixed my dishwasher (with WD 40).  Jim was always willing and capable to do any task.

F  Fellowship  Skip-Bo evenings (which he and I rarely won), Bible study devotion - travelling each summer on short holidays, in Cooper's home or on Manitoulin Island, Jim shared food, laughter, accommodations, song and praise.

U  Upholder  (Is defined as one who gives moral support).  Many times Jim shared with me the moral side of business, whether it was operating a garage or Real Estate.  Also the respect he had for the people he has dealt with in his lifetime.

L  Love  He witnessed his love for his Saviour in song, word and deed and he related to me his sorrow when those he knew did not share his love for Jesus.

It is not often that we meet a person who has many fine qualities that you know you do not possess.  When you have Christian fellowship with such a person, cherish it, because by doing so you will be a blessing to each other.  This is what Jim Cooper was to me.

Celebration of Life Service

in memory of

JAMES (JIM) COOPER

16 October 1919 to 3 August 2000

Monday, 7 August 2000 - West Guilford Gospel Chapel

Officiating:  Greg Brown

Pianist:  Kim Brown

Welcome

Opening Prayer

Duet - Betty & Neil Moore

Finding Our Hope in the Word of God - Greg Brown

A Tribute to Jim - poem written by Stu Wilson

read by Gina Brohm (granddaughter)

Hymn - It Is Well With My Soul

Sharing Memories of Jim - Bill Hlywka

Hymn - Sweet By and By

A Tribute To Our Dad - from His Daughters

read by Judy McKenna (daughter)

Duet - Betty & Neil Moore

A Tribute to Our Poppa - from his Grandchildren

read by Shelley Orlowski (granddaughter)

Eulogy - Garry Lonsberry

Hymn - When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

Closing Prayer

The congregation is invited to join Doris and her family for the Internment -

Maple Lake United Church.  Following this there will be a time for

fellowship over some refreshments at West Guilford Community Centre

A tribute to you Dad.  What an impossible task!  How can we ever find the words to express the overwhelming love and admiration we feel for you?  Whom here could ever find the time to listen to us tell all the stories we can tell of your many accomplishments?

Perhaps at best we can only humbly say thank you.  Our message isn't for the audience, Dad.  It is for you.  Thank you for being the best father a girl could hope for!  We know, Dad, God never gave you the son you wanted and we're glad because we went on the tow truck calls, pumped gas, went ice fishing, snowmobiled, went hunting, hammered in the workshop, and drove the jeep at too early an age to mention.

Thank you, Dad, for your silent advice.  You showed us by example.  Our life choices were our own, and you always supported our decisions.  You accepted our friends, our mistakes, our life styles, our life partners!

Thank you for your corny jokes!  We were your first audience, your second, and your third!  Remember, Dad, when you took up magic tricks?!  The memories abound:  Scribbling in and later reading your diaries; helping you study for exams for one of your many careers; increasing your airplane log hours by flying in our lunches to school!

Thank you, Dad, for your limitless pocket book!  Two weddings in one year, countless hours of free labour in each of our homes, and numerous presents for 7 grandchildren in 5 years.

We thank you Dad for your godliness.  You modelled your life after Jesus Christ, and for that we never knew you to lie or act dishonestly.  Your morals never disappointed us.

We thank you most of all Dad for your spirit!  A spirit that loved people and loved life.  Many times we returned home to drink from that well of joy.  You were our fountain of eternal youth.  In your presence the worries diminished and the fires rekindled.

And we know Dad, don't we, that a tribute to you would be void without turning our eyes on that saint who has stood beside you for 60 years, a woman of God, lent by him to walk on earth by your side.  Our true angel.

You treated Mom like a queen.  You treated your daughters like princesses.  To be raised by parents like you, Dad and Mom, we thank you both.  We know no greater joy!

A man of honour and integrity.  He stood tall, he walked tall.  His direction and strength all from HIs Saviour and Master The Lord Jesus Christ.

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Friend, Advisor & Counsellor

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CARPENTER - built a cottage at age 16 but the most significant of all his carpentry skills was he helped build this Gospel Chapel and Camp Medeba.

CHEF

TIN SMITH

DAILY DIARY - for about 50 years

CLASS 'A" MECHANIC - built his own garage here at West Guilford and operated it for 18 years.

PILOT

SALESMAN

REAL ESTATE BROKER

CALLIGRAPHER

RENOVATOR

SIGNS - for everyone

POET - wrote over 700 poems

STONE MASON

PLAYED THE PIANO, ORGAN, VIOLIN AND BUILT VIOLINS

CLOCKMAKER

COMPUTER

ORGANIZATIONS

GIDEON - 40 years - Testaments to Children, Jail Services

GARAGE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION

HALIBURTON SCHOOL BOARD

HALIBURTON TOWN COUNCIL

HALIBURTON RED CROSS BOARD

CAMP MEDEBA BOARD DIRECTOR

RECOGNITIONS

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR TEXACO SERVICE

HONORARY LIFE MEMBER OF REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION

HONORARY LIFE MEMBER OF GIDEONS

1998 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - STANHOPE TOWNSHIP

STANHOPE LOOKOUT

A quick glance is all it takes

To view from here these four great lakes

Maple, Beech, Twelve Mile and Bosh(kung)

What a panorama.  Oh my gosh.

With this Mountie standing proud

Canadian's singing praises loud.

We have reason for to brag.

Under this our maple leaf flag.

Now wherever you may roam,

Tell others about your native home

In a world of both joy and stress

There is a God whom we can bless.

J.B.C

#600

When I think of Jim, I remember how, 20 years ago when I was a single mother raising a small son on my own, he (they) made me feel like family, and treated my son like their own grandchild.  He made my son a beautiful large wooden toy box with his name engraved on it, which we have always treasured, and still use today.  Each year they display our 3 children's school photos on their mantlepiece at home.

Once when they were coming to visit us, they pulled up to where our children's bus was waiting at the end of our road where they transfer, and asked if they could drive our kids in.   Our 2 youngest who have safety & fear of strangers drilled into them, were apprehensive on going with them, but Jeremy, our oldest saw who it was and without a moments hestitation told them "It's Mr. & Mrs. Cooper, we can go with them".  They were all laughing and having fun when they came in.  Jennifer was just learning to ride a bike at the time and Jim literally 'ran' beside her up and down the driveway trying to steady her!

I've never known anyone with such a strong faith who loved life so much, and lived it to the fullest.  Jim was always so very interesting and enjoyable to talk, or listen to, with his wisdom and humour.  They raised a beautiful and respectful family, one of whom is my cherished long-time friend, Wanda.  The world has lost a great man, and heaven now has his love and dedication, that we will all miss.

Our greatest sympathy to Doris & the family,

With Love,

Sandy & Barry Rowden

Bancroft, Ont.

(To be sung to the tune of Red River Valley)  Composed by Stu Wilson, June 27, 2000

Who's this man that we all know as Jimmie?

Who so often would say with a smile,

"Would you like to please 'Have a Good Day',

Just relax, and read for awhile?"

Chorus

Be assured of my prayers, Jimmie Cooper,

You've been more than a neighbour to me,

You've been a true friend and a brother,

As we've journeyed along on life's sea.

We have hunted and fished oft together,

So I've many a story to tell,

Just sit back, relax, and remember,

As I try to ring more than one bell.

You've sold gas at the corner in Guilford,

Your sign was the Texaco Star,

Your tow truck was always in service,

Calls for help came from near and afar.

I have known you as a mechanic,

And a salesman of Hillman cars,

You sold Case farm tractors also,

As you often reached for the stars!

Your phone was always available,

It would ring some times e'en for me,

For I was the young country preacher

Who lived close by you, you see.

Your life has been a kaleidoscope,

One turn here and another turn there,

A carpenter, pilot and realtor,

You've done it all with a flair.

Beech Lake has been an adventure,

Selling lots and landing a plane,

Mowing grass, cutting logs and then swimming,

Writing poems again and again.

We've worked, played and prayed together,

Built a Chapel and established a Camp,

Done it all for God and His Kingdom,

His Word brightly shone as our lamp.

You have raised a beautiful family,

God gave you a wonderful wife,

But the best gift of all that He gave you,

Was salvation and eternal life.

Poppa

A tribute from his Grandchildren

From humble beginnings in West Guilford he came,

People soon won't forget James B. Cooper's his name.

In thinking ahead of what he could do for us,

He met and he married the girl they call Doris.

Four girls soon arrived in rapid succession,

A son was required to complete the progression.

But fate had decided it wasn't to be,

A fifth girl named Wanda, also known as Aunt Bea.

Mary came first and she was a ten,

Eventually married a fine fellow named Ken.

Then Lynda arrived, number two in the pack,

Had captured the heart of a great guy, called Jack.

Middle of the group, the girl we call Terry,

She eventually hitched to our Uncle Garry.

Moving along, Judy we mustn't forget,

The handsomest fellow, was Neil, she could get.

Last but not least to wind up the deal,

Wanda's driving through life, with Dan at the wheel.

In these earlier years Poppa's advice was sought after,

And often applied with some tears or some laughter.

And all of us knew that advice from this man,

Was the best it could be from the head of the clan.

From out of the chaos a gift came from heaven,

Grandchildren came, final count now eleven.

The grandchildren have a tough act to follow,

For the deeds that we do must never seem hollow.

The grandchildren came one short of a dozen,

Let no one deny that we're not kissing cousins.

Shelley, Michael, and Gina to start off the batch,

Dean, Lisa, and Steven were not a bad match.

The 'Magnificent Seven' was with Jamie complete,

The four that followed were real tough to seat.

In time, there would be, more jewels in the crown,

Kirstyn and Travis would soon come to town.

Fate decided that more girls would be neat,

So Sarah and Danielle, an additional treat.

So many memories with which to contend,

They flow on in our hearts like a song with no end.

The summer's the best time with Poppa up North,

Throw the gear in the car and we would head forth.

The plane rides, the fishing, the activities overwhelm,

In this boat ride through life, with God at the helm.

For there wasn't much Poppa couldn't do,

And if you were there he included you too.

Music, woodworking, his talents galore,

Enthusiasm and energy behind every door.

Mixed through this patchwork of seasonal fun,

Poppa's jokes and good humour could not be outdone.

As the old story goes, behind every man,

There is female support and this is our Nan.

And all of us know and will say with one voice,

That in all of this country, there was no better choice.

So our world was made richer than we can explain,

Because from this marvelous gene pool we came.

We will carry the torch as best as we can,

In tribute to God to show thanks for this man.

Ken Wilson & Shelley Orlowski

August 6,2000

POEMS

The Old Violin

It was just hanging on the wall,

With broken strings, no bow at all.

Why was it just hanging there?

With all those memories for to share.

The sound post lying on its side,

Over it once did fingers glide.

Hands that were often hardened with work,

A faithful violin that never did shirk.

Beautiful hymns from it would flow,

Or a waltz, a bit more slow.

Dance tunes too, that would shake the floor,

Then the caller would ask for more.

SKIP-BO

I recall a time, not long before,

When UNO was the one.

We kept the score, then asked for more.

Now Skip-Bo's number one.

You are surrounded, left and right,

It seems you can't go wrong.

The laughter is the part that's right,

The cards are from Hong Kong.

An early age and older one,

Each has the same results.

There is no cheating, spoils the fun.

We are mature adults.

There are so very many wild,

You have to make your rule.

At first you think, that this is mild,

Then you start, adding fuel.

You play with others, or your mate,

The time goes fast, say this is great.

Just one more game, the hour late,

At last you've had it, that's your fate.

We like to play against the gals,

Those ones who keep us thinner.

But we must stick close to our pals,

When they're declared the winner.

My movements can be fast or slow,

Just wind, or with batteries I will go.

Running can do me no harm,

Just unwind

Working hands that tell the time,

Every hour I will chime.

I can cuckoo, tick

Folks who own me, sometimes sell.

Make me in most any shape.

Large as life or small as grape.

See I have an open face,

As I occupy such little space.

Count the minutes in an hour,

I control your gadgets power.

Hang me, wear me, as you may,

Let me pass the time away.

Age or colour don't bother me,

For I am "just a clock" you see.

Counting the seconds every day,

We're not on this earth to stay.

FLYING

I think that man was made to fly,

And that is why God made the sky.

I well remember that first flight,

As we looked down, oh, what a sight.

I want to learn, was my refrain,

The wait was over, time to train.

The year was nineteen sixty three,

Was cheaper then, but never free.

The learning was hard, the training thin,

I almost thought they'd do me in.

The plane was small and made of tin,

But my determination, was to win.

That solo flight, I'm glad is past

Now every hour counts, at last.

My log book then began to fill,

It's in good shape, I use it still.

We started flying off the lake,

So often chances we did take.

I tried to land, and then turned o'er,

And never thought I'd see the shore.