James Cooprider, 97, passed away on July 8, 2025, at The Cedars, McPherson, Kansas. He was born February 8, 1928. His parents were Henry and Clara Cooprider. He attended a local elementary school in Groveland Township in McPherson County. He then attended Hesston Academy in Hesston, Kansas, Class of 1946. In 1948, he married Wilma Sparks whom he met at Hesston Academy. He was a lifelong farmer and stockman. He was a member of Journey Mennonite Church.
James is survived by his children: Jim Cooprider, Duane (Julie) Cooprider, and Donna Burnett; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Wilma Sparks Cooprider; his parents; his twin sister, Joyce Schrock Cook; and his son-in-law, Richard Burnett.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Stockham Family Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 15, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A burial will be held prior to the service at 9:00 AM, at West Liberty Cemetery (located at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Comanche road, rural McPherson).
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Henry and Clara Cooprider Memorial Scholarship, Hesston, or Gentiva Hospice, McPherson, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.