HUNDREDS of travellers from all over England came to Warminster to mourn the passing of Jimmy Cooper known in the travelling community as a ‘man amongst men’.

James Liberty Cooper died peacefully at home in Gypsy Lane, Frome, on August 29, aged 73, surrounded by his family after losing his battle to cancer.

Around 300 people attended his funeral in Warminster on September 10.

The eldest son of Theodore Smith and May Cooper, he was the eldest brother to Richard, Susan, Peter, Gilbert, Michael, Raymond, Jean, Kathleen and Christine, and a beloved father to Maurice, Kenny, Miranda, Gilbert, Nicky, Gemma, Kelly, Patrick and Reuben.

He was also a beloved grandfather of 26 grandchildren and uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He is now at peace with his beloved sister Kathy Cooper, who died in January.

The family said: “The love for our dad cannot be put into words. He was the biggest character in so many people’s lives. It is a gap that will certainly never be filled. Dad has a piece of all our hearts, and he can now rest in true peace.”

Mr Cooper was very well known for his many deals, especially in cars, so it was highly appropriate that the traditional black hearse and several flatbed lorries covered in flowers were joined by a long line of vehicles carrying his closest family.

The funeral procession journeyed slowly from the traveller site in Frome all the way to The Minster Church of St Denys in Warminster for his final farewell accompanied by a soundtrack of country music.

The procession then made its way to Pine Lawns Cemetery in Folly Lane, Warminster, at a slow pace.

Surrounded by their closest family, Jimmy’s six sons proudly carried the white casket into church and through the cemetery to his final resting place.