James Cooper, Sr.

Visitation for Toby Cooper, 76, will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, LA 71118. Memorial services will follow immediately thereafter, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December, 15, 2018. James A. Cooper, Sr., known to most as Toby Cooper, was born on September 21, 1942, in Coushatta, LA, to Wayne Cooper and Christelle Cooper. He passed away on December 9, 2018, after a brief illness. Toby graduated from Coushatta High School in 1960. He subsequently graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches with a degree in Music Education in 1966. Toby then worked as an engineer at Sunbeam. He later worked as a band director in several schools and for many years as a manager at William's Music Company in both Alexandria, LA, and Shreveport, LA. Ultimately, Toby retired from band directing in DeSoto Parish. Toby always loved music. When he saw the famous clarinetist, Pete Fountain, on the Lawrence Welk television show, he knew what he was destined to do. Toby began playing the clarinet in high school at age 14. Shortly, thereafter, he started his first jazz band, called "The Saints." While still in high school, he was hired to appear on a local television talent show by local musician and tv personality, Hub Brando. Toby appeared on a weekly basis to back up the contestants and also, occasionally, to perform clarinet and saxophone solos. Toby later played in other bands and appeared on several records. He performed frequently in his own band known as "Toby Cooper and Brick Street." He also wrote and performed his own original music and made his own records and CDs, including songs such as "Anytime" and "The Guru." In fact, his song "Anytime" won a contest on a local radio show on 71 Keel called "Make It Or Break It" beating out the likes of Pink Floyd. Toby enjoyed playing music, singing in the First Baptist Church of Blanchard Choir, painting portraits and landscapes, sailing the local waterways, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. His humor, stories, and contagious smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Toby was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Christelle Cooper, and his sister, Gwen Cooper Westbrook. Left to cherish his memory and to carry on his legacy are his daughter, Kelli Cooper; son, Allen Cooper and wife, Kim; and his grandchildren, Hayley Cooper, Zack Cooper, Tyler Campbell, Chance Campbell, and Kaylee Campbell; and former wife of 55 years, Judy Coleman Cooper. Toby is also survived by his brother, Jerry Cooper and wife, Jan, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.