Jimmy Breeland Cooper

Jimmy Breeland Cooper 1932 - 2025

Jimmy Breeland Cooper, 93, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away peacefully at Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care Center on August 7, 2025, after a brief illness.

Visitation was held on August 14, from 10:30 AM until services at 12 Noon at Hartman-Jones Funeral Home. Dr. David Millican did officiate and burial was in Hollywood Cemetery.

Born on January 11, 1932, in Walthall County, to Ethod O. Cooper and Pearlie Rushing Cooper, Jimmy grew up with strong family values, a deep faith, and an unwavering work ethic.

Jimmy proudly served his country in the Korean War, where he was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4 from the U.S. Army’s transportation division.

Upon returning to McComb, Mississippi, Jimmy met the love of his life, Marilyn “Mickie” Barnett. The two married in 1957, had one daughter, Cindy, and shared 51 wonderful years together, a true partnership built on love, laughter, and devotion. Jimmy always put Mickie and Cindy first selflessly providing his family a life filled with happiness and opportunity.

Jimmy began his career as a routeman for Brown’s Velvet Ice Cream, until he was offered a position by his mentor and friend, T.A. Miller, with Sunbeam Bread Company. This began a remarkable 33year career in the bread business, where Jimmy worked his way from routeman to district sales manager for the Mississippi and Louisiana regions. Over the years, he forged countless friendships that lasted a lifetime.

After retiring from Sunbeam, Jimmy continued serving his community, working at Hartman Funeral Home as a funeral director. He also gave back through service on the Board of Directors at Trustmark Bank in McComb and by volunteering at Parklane Academy, where he became a most-requested bus driver for special events. A devoted member of First Baptist Church McComb, Jimmy served faithfully as an usher and deacon for many years.

In 2009 Jimmy and Mickie moved to Colorado to be closer to their daughter, granddaughter, and son-inlaw. This was a decision that brought him immense joy and purpose for 16 years.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mickie Cooper; parents, Ethod O. and Pearlie Harriet Rushing Cooper; and siblings Luther Lee Cooper, Seth Cooper, Lucille Israel, Roland Cooper, Jasper “J.D.” Cooper, and Howard Cooper.

He is survived by his loving daughter and best friend, Cindy Cooper Maluschka; his cherished son-in-law, Mark Maluschka; and the light of his life, granddaughter Amber Maluschka who was his “best buddy.” Jimmy is also survived by his beloved sister, Emma Jean Webb and beloved sister-in-law, Annette Porter; along with dear friends who were his Colorado family, Michele and Brian Duncan. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and a neighborhood full of dear friends in Pleasant Valley, where he was fondly known as “Mr. Pleasant Valley” and admired for maintaining the most beautiful yard in the neighborhood and was a cherished friend to all. Jimmy had a gift for making people feel seen. He remembered names, stories, and details that made others feel valued. His greatest accomplishments in life were not found in titles or awards, but in being a devoted husband, a loving father, and, above all, the best “Popo” imaginable. He and Amber shared countless hours together telling stories, sharing long walks, listening to music, and simply enjoying each other’s company. In Colorado, he was “Popo” not only to Amber but to all of her friends as well. Jimmy’s motto was, “Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young, and Leave Good Memories.” He lived those words fully by making memories, spreading kindness, and touching lives until the very end. Jimmy Cooper will be missed beyond measure, but his legacy of love, friendship, and