James R. Cooper, 86, of Saxonburg, formerly of Chicora, passed away Monday morning at the home of his daughter in Tehachapi, Calif., following an illness.

Born March 21, 1929, in Karns City, he was the son of the late Russell D. Cooper and Dorothy A. Duffy Cooper.

He was a retired master sergeant after working 15 years as an engineering technician for the Department of Defense. He was a production controller in civil engineering for the federal government after serving 21 years in the U.S. Air Force from Aug. 9, 1948, to July 31, 1969. James proudly served his country during the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was also a disabled veteran.

He was a member of the Assembly of God of Butler, along Route 422 West near Mount Chestnut. He was a life member of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, the Disabled Veterans Association, the American Legion Post 642 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7876 in Chicora.

He is survived by his daughter, Jaime Lynn Fosmo of Tehachapi, Calif.; his grandson, Shane Morphew of Bakersfield, Calif.; his great-granddaughters, Lindsey Marie Morphew and Courtney Lynn Morphew; his sister, Patricia L. McElravy and her husband, Bob, of Chicora; and his brother, Richard L. Cooper and his wife, Dixie of Harrisburg.

COOPER — Friends of James R. Cooper, who died Monday, June 1, 2015, will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME, 111 E. Slippery Rock and Main streets, Chicora.Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. George Miller, pastor, and the Rev. Steve Noullet, associate pastor, of the Assembly of God of Butler, Route 422 West, Mount Chestnut.Burial will be in Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora, with full military honors provided by the Chicora and Bradys Bend American Legions Chicora VFW 99 Readiness CommandFor directions, information and to extend condolences to his family, go to www.steighnerfuneralhome.com.