James Joseph Cooper

James Joseph Cooper, 67, of Freeland, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late James Leroy Jr. and Anna M. (Marron) Cooper. He was the loving husband to Cathy Lynn (Marsteller) Cooper.

James was a master plumber for over 40 years in the plumbing and HVAC industry. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and the Jefferson Sportsman Association. He also loved trains, especially steam engines. James was definitely a “foody”; he would say “food was his hobby”. He would often take drives to hit a “Greasy Spoon” spot that he heard about. He also enjoyed visiting Mothers Cupboard in Syracuse, NY. James wanted to hit all the different BBQ joints in the U.S. and aspired to be a member of ‘The Scrapple Club’. Above all, James loved spending time with his wife Cathy, children, grandchildren, and his friends. He just enjoyed life and people, no one was ever a stranger.

James is survived by his wife Cathy; two children, Jessica N. Beck (Benjamin), Sarah M. Franklin (Andrew); 5 grandchildren, Joshua Z. Beck, Ava E. Beck, Eliana R. Beck, Rowan E. Franklin, and Callen R. Franklin; 8 siblings, Beverly Daniels (Larry), Michael Cooper, Annmarie Albert (Tim), Billy Cooper (Donna), Steven Dooley (Lisa), Joan North, Chris Cooper (Diane), and his sister in law, Robin Cooper. He is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. James was preceded in death by both his parents; and his brother, Danny Cooper.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom, PA 17349. A second viewing will be on Saturday, December 13th from 10-11 am at Mason Dixon Baptist Church, 713 Campbell Rd, New Freedom, PA 17349 with the funeral service starting at 11 am. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ memory to St. Judes Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/ or Cure SMA, 50 E. Commerce Dr., Suite 90, Schaumburg, IL 60173, https://www.curesma.org/