James Robert Cooper

James "Jim" Robert Cooper III, 35, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on May 24th, 2025, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN. He met his beloved wife, Ashley Cooper, in September 2018, and they married on September 15, 2022. He was a dedicated and loving husband who prided himself in doing the little things for his wife, like picking up her favorite ice cream and learning how to cook their favorite takeout dishes. He was an excellent pet parent to their rescue dog, Batman. 

Jim graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor's degree in Jazz and Music Theory. He worked as a music instructor at Knoxville Academy of Music for over 12 years, teaching his students about music and life. He instilled in his students a passion for learning and made them feel loved and heard. Jim was a pillar in the musician community in Knoxville. He played with several bands and often sat in on gigs and jam sessions. When Jim played his guitar, something magical happened, and the music flowed directly from his soul into the souls of those listening.

Jim's laugh was infectious, and he brought light and joy to everyone around him. He made a point to make everyone he came into contact with feel special. Jim was a helper, always trying to do what he could to help better the lives of others. He was passionate about music, outer space, Disney movies, and anything else nerdy.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Becky Cooper, grandmother, Margaret Webber, and grandfathers George Webber and James Cooper. He is survived by his father, Jim Cooper, sister Chrissy Johnson (Curtis), nephews Aiden and Carter Johnson, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition, he loved being a part of his family by marriage, including Randall and Jean McLemore, sisters-in-law Sarah Archer (Tom) and Kaitlyn Fox (Cody), brother-in-law Luke McLemore (Kinsey), and his nieces Delainey and Elly Kate Fox, who he loved dearly. Jim had countless close friends and chosen family members, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Jim's life will be celebrated at the Jimmy Cooper Benefit Concert at Bootlegger Harley Davidson on Sunday, June 8th starting at 12:30 pm and lasting until after 6:00 pm. Several bands will be playing in his honor and to help raise funds to go towards his medical bills and final expenses.

Cremation Done Properly under the care of Dotson Funeral Home & Cremation, Wildwood (865-984-5959). Online condolences and memories may be shared at dotsonfuneralhome.com.

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