James Robert âBobbyâ Cooper passed away peacefully the morning of Jan. 29, 2021, at his home in Key West, Florida. Born on May 4, 1934, in Fitzgerald, Georgia to Virginia âGinnyâ Brown and Leo Mercier, he moved to Key West with his mother and sister Betty in 1946 at the age of 12.
Bobby attended Key West High School and graduated in 1952. He was a star athlete for both football and basketball. Rightfully dubbed âSuper Cooper,â he was the first person in Conch basketball history to shoot the then unimaginable 30-point game by a single player, a record he held for many years. He was a consummate supporter of Conch Pride, he sponsored athletes and tournaments alike, bringing competition and accolades to his island home.