LEWISTON – James E. Cooper, 88, of 77 Strawberry Ave., passed away Friday, Nov. 25, at d’Youville Pavilion.

Born in Lewiston on August 5, 1917, he was the son of Edward and Theresa Orlandini Cooper. He was educated in local schools, and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1935. He owned Cooper’s Restaurant, along with his brother Frank, until 1971.

He loved all sports and was a devoted fan of local sports teams, especially the Lewiston Blue Devils and, of course, the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins. He was an avid golfer, loved horse racing and was a certified thoroughbred handicapper. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and the Elk’s Club.

He is survived by two local nieces, Sheila Cooper Walton of Lewiston and Colleen Cooper Rioux of Harpswell; and several other nieces and nephews, Robert, Michael, Theresa and Mary Jane Cooper, all of Chicago, Ill.; and a cousin, Pat Breen of Candia, N.H.

He was predeceased by his parents; one sister, Ellen; and two brothers, Frank and William Cooper.

A special thanks to Dr. Satya Singh and his nurse, Karen; special friend, Janice Peabody; and to the staff at d’Youville Pavilion, 2 East.