James Lewis Cooper, 73, of Bloomington formerly of Fairbury passed away at 2:55 pm, Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Heritage Healthcare Center, Normal.

Funeral services will be at 2 pm, Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Burial will follow in Gridley Cemetery, Gridley with military funeral honors at the cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service on Tuesday also at the funeral home in Fairbury.

Jim was born December 10, 1943 in Fairbury the son of Elza and Lorraine (Dodson) Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents, one step-grandson and one son, James Louis Cooper in February of 1989.

Survivors include one daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Bender of Bloomington; four step-children, Steven (Debbie) Petersen of Bloomington; Carol (Mark) DesJardins of West Chester, Ohio; Connie (Jerry) Grandon of Bloomington; Bruce (Emmie)Petersen of Springfield; one special grandson, Jeb  Bender of Bloomington; 12 step-grandchildren, 2 step-great grandchildren, three sisters, Ruth Doran of Fairbury; Dorothy (Marvin) Roth of Fairbury; Carol (Dennis) Molton of Camdenton, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be directed to the Fairbury American Legion Speedway, Fairbury.

Jim served our country in US Army during Vietnam. He was past post commander for the John Joda American Legion #54 in Fairbury. He enjoyed talking NASCAR racing and cars in general with his grandson Jeb. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.