A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Temple Baptist Church of Petal for Mr. James Paul "Bunyan" Cooley, age 58, of Moselle. Mr. Cooley passed from this life on September 24, 2024, at Asbury Hospice House. Bro. Patrick Patterson will officiate the service.

Paul was born on July 11, 1966, to James Thomas and Carolyn Ruth Cooley. He was a member and deacon at Temple Baptist Church of Petal. He was better known as "Bunyan" to his family and friends. He passed away surrounded by his loving family. Bunyan loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was able to complete a hunting trip of a lifetime with his best friend, David Little, to the Black Creek Plantation in Alabama. He worked for 10 years with SEC Electric before becoming a foreman for the company. His greatest love was his God, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Anthony Matta; grandchildren, Oliver James Howard and Emmy Lynn Howard.

Mr. Cooley is survived by his wife, Marlie Cooley of Moselle; daughters, Mason Cooley of Moselle, Jamie Cooley of Hattiesburg, Lacey Cooley of Vinegar Bend, AL, Paige Cooley of Petal and Melissa Howard (Charlie) of Lumberton; grandchildren, Kasen Starling, Anthoney Cooley, Karma Cooley, Kenzley Morgan and Kylie Morgan; brother, David Cooley (Pam) of Little Creek and sister, Sherry Skelton of Washington, PA.