David "Dave" James Cooper

David James Cooper of Show Low, Arizona unexpectedly passed away on November 27, 2018 at his home in Show Low. He was 72. Dave was born on February 3, 1946 in San Francisco, California to the late Oscar James and Joyce (Harper) Cooper.

Dave had a deep love of country and served in the United States Air Force for 7 years. He served 2 tours in Vietnam before being discharged. Following his time in the Air Force he enlisted into the United States Army where he served in Operation Desert Storm. He retired from the Army after 20 faithful years of service.

Following his military career, Dave worked as a Police Officer in San Jose, California before moving to the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona in 1980. From 1980-1987 he served as an Arizona Ranger before becoming the Transportation Director for the Show Low School District. He retired from the Transportation Department after 12 years. During his time at Show Low Dave also served as a ski instructor for the school district at Sunrise Ski Resort. He would transport the children to the resort and then teach them how to ski. Many students still remember him as “the one” who taught them how to ski.

Never one to sit idle, Dave began working for the Blue Ridge School District from 2009-2014 for the Special Needs children. He had a passion for the Special Olympics where he worked as a coach for many years. He retired from Blue Ridge after 5 years.

Dave had a deep love for the Scouting program and served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for over 53 years in California and Arizona. He lived by the Boy Scout Oath… “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.” Between his time working and actively participating in the Boy Scouts Dave also found time to volunteer as a coach for the Show Low Little League program. He was a motorcycle enthusiast who never missed an opportunity to take a ride and enjoy the open road.

Dave met the love of his life, Debbie Hubbard, in 1973 in San Jose, California. They were married in 1974 in San Jose and they enjoyed 44 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. He was the sweetest husband, a wonderful father and a loving grandfather. An honest, loyal and kind man, he will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Cooper of Show Low; children, James R. Cooper (Katie) of Corvallis, Oregon, Dustin R. Cooper (Erin) of Campbell, California, David A. Cooper (Jennifer) of Downey, Idaho and Shayla M. Hatcher (Earnest) of Show Low; 12 beautiful and handsome grandchildren: Alannah, McGregor, Maegan, Alyssa, Chloe, Logan, Mackenzie and Bowden Cooper, Ciarra, E.J., Tyler and Terell Hatcher.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Morgan Cooper.

A viewing will be held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the Show Low Downtown Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 300 N. 11^th Street, Show Low. The funeral services will follow promptly at 2:00 P.M. He will be laid to rest with full Military Honors at the Show Low Cemetery following the services.