Jim Cooper

Jim Cooper, born James Hayes Shofner Cooper on June 19, 1954, is an American lawyer, businessman, professor, and politician. He served as the U.S. representative for Tennessee's 5th congressional district from 2003 to 2023 and was a member of the Democratic Party. Prior to that, Cooper represented Tennessee's 4th congressional district from 1983 to 1995, which included all of Nashville. Throughout his tenure, he held various important positions, including chairing the United States House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. Cooper was known for his extensive committee involvement and as the dean of Tennessee's congressional delegation. With his long tenure, he became the third-longest serving member of Congress from Tennessee, following Jimmy Quillen and B. Carroll Reece.