CLAYTON - James Joseph Cooper of Clayton, passed away on Tuesday May 31, 2011. He was 63. Mr. Cooper was born Aug. 7, 1947, in New Castle, to the late Howard J. and Louise Kemp Cooper. He is survived by his wife, Candis L. Cooper; and their two children, Steven and Amber; two sisters, Jean Poore of Wilmington, and Patricia Cherricks of New Church, Va.; a brother, William Cooper of Dover; a mother-in-law, Diane Myers; brother-in-law, Wade Myers; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joanne Brown; a brother, John Cooper; and his father-in-law, Alfred Myers. James was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed relaxing in the pool with his family, hunting, softball and fishing. Jim served in the U.S. Navy from July 29, 1966 to Nov. 19, 1970. He retired from Laidlaw Corp. after 30 years. Jim and Candis were members of the American Legion in Smyrna. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel located at 29 South Main St., Smyrna. Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.