James Cooper, Jr., 85, of Glen Allen, died September 16, 2020. He was born in Williamsburg County, Kingstree, South Carolina on July 2, 1935. He was the son of the late Queen E. and James G. Cooper of Kingstree, South Carolina. His early education was received in the Williamsburg County Public Schools in South Carolina followed by graduation from Tomlinson High School. He continued his education and graduated from South Carolina State (now University) with a B.S. degree in Mathematics. He earned his M.S. Degree in Applied Mathematics from Atlanta University (now Clark-Atlanta University). He pursued post-graduate studies at Hampton University, Virginia Commonwealth University, The University of Virginia, and Michigan State University. James began his career as a high school mathematics teacher in North Charleston, South Carolina, and taught there for two years before entering graduate school. After completing graduate school, he was employed as a high school mathematics teacher/department head in Staunton, Virginia; during this time period, he also was employed simultaneously as an adjunct teacher in the Field Services Division at Virginia State University. He served in this dual role for several years before moving to Richmond. In August of 1963, he began his teaching career in the Richmond City Public Schools at Maggie L. Walker High School. During his career, he also worked at John Marshall High School, George Wythe High School, and in Central Administration. He held various positions within the school system, Teacher, Department Head, Supervisor, Curriculum Specialist, Acting Director of the Department of Planning and Development, Educational and Fiscal Planner, and Coordinator of Computer Training and User Support. He was also employed part-time with H&R Block and People’s Income Tax for 20 years. He retired in June 1995 from the administrative position of Coordinator of Computer Training and User Support. James was a member of Providence Park Baptist Church and served as comptroller and one of the musicians for the past 10 years. He was a member of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and a “Fifty-Year” member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was honored as “Kappa Brother of the Year” in 1999. He received the “Good Apple” award from the Richmond School Board for his contribution to Richmond Public Schools in 1990. He received an award from the Richmond Association of Educational Office Professionals in 1990 which recognized his contribution to the computer training of clerical personnel; he was a graduate of the first Henrico County Senior Citizens Police Academy and a past member of the United Way Evaluation Agency, past member of Club 533, Inc., past member of Henrico County Lay Advisory Council and a Life Member of the Virginia PTA’s. He was predeceased by his wife of 2 years, Janet Allen Cooper, of Spring Hope, North Carolina. Surviving are his former wife of 41 years, Deloris Betts Cooper of Greensboro, North Carolina and their two sons, Eric (Valerie) of Cary, North Carolina and James III (Darlene) of Greensboro, North Carolina; two daughters-in-law; four loving grandchildren; Kiana and Alexis of Greensboro, North Carolina and Jordan and Joi of Cary, North Carolina; godson, Rodney P. Keyes of Fayetteville, Georgia; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Cooper of Thomson, Georgia; devoted family friend, Delores Keyes; several nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.