On Dec. 5, 2024, James Owen Coop of Tullahoma passed away at the age of 78.

James was born to the late Guss M. Coop and Ola Mae Clark Coop, on Sept. 4, 1946, in Shelbyville. He was a 1964 graduate of Shelbyville Central High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from MTSU. James served three years in the Navy and was in Vietnam aboard river patrol boats. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. James was an Associate Director of Highland Rim School and later was an administrator for the Department of Children’s Services. During his retirement years, he enjoyed fishing and attending University of Tennessee football games. James was a member of First Baptist Church in Tullahoma.

James is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sarah McIntosh Coop of Tullahoma; son, Scott (Beth) Coop of Franklin; daughter, Elizabeth Coop of Thompson’s Station; two beloved grandsons, Clayton and Carson. He is also survived by his sister, Martha Coop Collier (James-deceased) of Shelbyville; nieces, Christy (Keith) Smith of Unionville, and Kelly (Keith) Scott of Murfreesboro.

A graveside service with Military Honors was held on Monday, Dec. 9 at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. 

Kilgore Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Dec. 11, 2024