Jay Elijah Cooper, loving and tender hearted brother and uncle, passed from this life August 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jay was born October 5, 1930, in Meadow, Utah, to Sherman and Grace Bushnell Cooper. Jay lived his early years in Millard County surrounded by his many Bushnell and Dearden relatives. He graduated from Dixie High School, Dixie College and BYU. As a young man, he worked at the National Parks and spoke fondly of his time there. He served in the Air Force and especially enjoyed being stationed in England where he witnessed the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. He resided in the Sugarhouse area for 30 years.
Jay spent his life loving his family. He adored his nieces and nephews and would often spend his time and resources treating them to a shopping spree or his homemade treats. He was a caring and attentive brother and a self-proclaimed "mama's boy." He was a wonderful, compassionate caregiver to his sister Zola and brother in law Joe for many years and in their final days. Their family will be forever grateful.
Jay was an amazing candy maker and cook. Thanksgiving dinner is not the same without his excellent gravy, and Christmas is not the same without his homemade black licorice.
In his later years, Jay lived at Golden Living Center in Taylorsville and most recently at the William Christoffersen Salt Lake City Veteran's Home. His family would like to thank the staff and the LDS Branch at the Veteran's Home that cared for Jay in any way. Jay is a member of the LDS Church.
Jay is survived by his sister Kathryn Cooper Hunt of St. George, six nephews, seven nieces and many great nieces and nephews that love him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Grant Sherman Cooper and Romney Bushnell Cooper, sister Zola Elizabeth Cooper Barker and niece Elizabeth Barker.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, August 6, 2016, at 12:00 in the Meadow, Utah Cemetery under the direction of Larkin Mortuary.
We love you Uncle Jay!
