James “Coops” E. Cooper, age 74, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026 at his home.

He was born March 13, 1952 in Ohio, son of the late Wayne and Ruth (Keck) Cooper. He attended primary school in Ohio before moving to Manitowoc, where he attended UW Manitowoc and LTC. Coops was employed with Manitowoc Crane for most of his career, until he became disabled due to a work related accident. On February 25, 2000, he married Martine Bouillon. On April 2, 1986 he joined and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and recently celebrated 40 years as a Freemason. He had a passion and skill for working on cars and enjoyed working outside and taking care of his home.

Coops is survived by his wife: Martine Copper; two sons: Zach and Taylor Cooper; two step-daughters: Heather (Jason) Nowaratski and their son Easton and Melodie (Dean) Wiench and their son Austin. Other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children: Cindy Cooper; his parents: Wayne and Ruth Cooper; and his brother: Wayne Cooper.

Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and a celebration of his life will occur at a later date.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Cooper family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Complete Care of Manitowoc as well as Aurora Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Coops and his family.