Jimmy Cooper

Jimmy W. Cooper, a pillar of the Garnett community and a beloved family man, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving family.

Jimmy Warren Cooper was born on May 18, 1932, in Nishnabotna, Missouri, the son of Olin and Della K. (Wade) Cooper. Jim spent his early years in Rock Port, Missouri. In 1942, his family moved to Los Angeles, California, where his father supported the war effort. Jim spent three formative years there before returning to Rock Port, where he graduated from high school in 1950. During his school years, Jim excelled in football and basketball. He also had a lifelong passion for music, playing the trumpet in the school band and continuing to share his musical talents for many years playing in a jazz band in his 20's. He went on to attend Tarkio College, where he earned a half-scholarship and was a proud member of the Tarkio Owls basketball team.

Jim's distinguished banking career began on July 1, 1951, a profession he truly loved, even joking about his first day off just three days later. His journey in banking took him from Rock Port to Burbank, California to Suburban Bank in Kansas City in 1957, before he settled in Garnett in May 1961, joining Garnett State Savings Bank. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase an interest in Peoples State Bank in Richmond, Kansas, in 1967. Then, in 1977, he acquired Kansas State Bank in Garnett, which later became Patriots Bank. Jim remained actively involved as chairman of the board, leading the monthly board meetings, just weeks before his passing. His dedication to banking extended to his family, as he worked alongside his children and grandchildren, sharing his knowledge and passion. Jim also served as a dedicated board member for the Kansas Bankers Association, holding various positions over the years.

On April 1, 1955, Jim was united in marriage to Fairy June Greenwood in Rock Port, Missouri. Their beautiful union blessed them with three children: Karen, Scott, and Jill. Jim and June were privileged to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary together.

Beyond his professional life, Jim was an active member of the Garnett community. He served as President, Treasurer, and board member for the Rotary Club, the Garnett Housing Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, the Jaycees, the Garnett Country Club, and the Garnett Race Association. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church.

Jim found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, including listening to jazz music, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and playing golf. However, he would often say that his greatest achievement was his family, and his greatest joy came from being "Papa Jim" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim's memory will be forever cherished by his children: Karen Rumble and husband Brad of Gladstone, Missouri; Scott Cooper and wife Terri of Garnett, Kansas; and Jill Murray and husband Matt of Overland Park, Kansas. He is also survived by his eight beloved grandchildren: Rachelle Gordon, Kenzie Peace, Kelsey Cooper, Cameron Cooper, Katelin Shane, Carston Cooper, Cooper Murray, and Gunnar Murray; and eleven precious great-grandchildren.

Funeral services celebrating Jim's remarkable life will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Garnett First Christian Church. Following the service, burial will take place in the Garnett Cemetery, preceded by a lively New Orleans jazz band procession (comfortable shoes are encouraged!). Jim's family will greet friends on Tuesday evening, June 10, from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Garnett, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to WINGS and left in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, P.O. Box 408, Garnett, Kansas 66032. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.