Shivangi Sinha
In April 2018, Jackson Cooper was at school in Orlando, Florida, when his father, Jim Cooper, unexpectedly came to pick him up. It was a task usually handled by his mother, Shanti Cooper-Tronnes. Jackson sensed something was wrong. Together, they went to the home Shanti shared with her husband, David Tronnes, and it was there that they learned the devastating news of her murder. In ABC’s ‘20/20: A Killer Renovation,’ both Jim and Jackson open up about that tragic day, the lasting impact it had on their lives, and their years-long fight to seek justice for Shanti.
Jim and Jackson Cooper Spoke Together After David Tronnes’ Trial
Jim Cooper married Shanti Mahtani in the early 2000s. The couple was deeply in love and looked forward to building a life together. They soon decided to grow their family, and in 2010, they welcomed their son, Jackson Cooper. Shanti was a devoted and attentive mother, spending most of her time caring for Jackson, while Jim was equally affectionate and involved in their son’s upbringing. However, their relationship began to face difficulties, and by 2013, they finalized their divorce. Despite the challenges of the separation, they agreed to joint custody of Jackson and maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship, prioritizing their son’s well-being. Jackson would regularly split his time between his parents’ homes, and on the evening of April 23, 2018, he was staying with his father, Jim.
He spoke to his mother, Shanti Cooper-Tronnes, around 8 pm that night before heading to school the next morning. Shanti was supposed to pick him up later that day, but when she didn’t show, the school called Jim. Concerned, the latter picked up his son and decided to stop by Shanti’s home in Delaney Park, Orlando. When they arrived, they were met with police tape surrounding the property. Upon inquiring, they learned there had been a murder. At just 8 years old, Jackson said his only thought was whether his mother was safe. In later conversations with police, Jackson claimed that David Tronnes, Shanti’s husband, was unkind to him when she wasn’t around.
Jackson’s account gave investigators an insight into the dynamics of Shanti and David’s relationship, which, along with other evidence, helped secure David’s conviction for her murder. After Shanti’s death, Jim was granted full custody of their son. However, his petition to have Shanti’s remains released to him and Jackson was not granted. Eventually, in agreement with David, it was decided that Shanti would be cremated, and her ashes were given to Jackson. When David’s trial began in October 2023, the father and son attended the proceedings closely. On October 18, 2023, they addressed the court, sharing the pain of losing Shanti and how deeply it had affected their lives. They spoke of the emotional burden they had carried for years and how the conviction had finally lifted a weight off their shoulders.
Jackson Cooper is Leading a Normal and Fulfilling Life With His Father
As of 2025, Jackson Cooper, fondly known as Jax, is living in Orlando, Florida, with his father, Jim Cooper. The two are very close and are more like friends than anything else. They are moving forward in life with strength and positivity. Jackson is thriving both personally and academically. In May 2024, he received the prestigious President’s Education Award, a testament to his brilliance and hard work in school. To celebrate his achievements, Jim often takes him out to enjoy meals together, with favorites including Cavo’s Bar and Kitchen and The Moderne. Jackson is also incredibly close to his grandmother, Maureen, and has grown into an enterprising young man. One of his unique passions is aviation. He’s learning how to fly and has even taken his father on a helicopter ride to Key West in June 2025.
Known for his adventurous spirit, he enjoys performing small tricks in the air and embraces every new challenge with enthusiasm. Their father-son bond is evident in their shared activities. Whether it’s going to the gym, watching movies, spending time at Daytona Beach, or trying out Wagyu steak, food outings are a special part of their healing journey. In December 2024, they attended a soccer match at Camping World Stadium, and it was a memorable evening for both of them. Jackson is currently in the ninth grade and seems to have a fulfilling life. His father has made sure that he remembers and celebrates his mother in every possible way, and tells him that she would be proud of who he has become.
Jim Cooper is Doing His Best as a Single Parent
Jim Cooper, a graduate of Jacksonville State University, continues to build a joyful and fulfilling life in Orlando, Florida, centered around his greatest pride—his son, Jackson. Widely praised by his friends as the “best father,” Jim is known for being hands-on, supportive, and fully present in his son’s life. As a single parent, he has prioritized Jackson above all else and has created a relationship with him that is rooted in simple love and laughter. Despite undergoing surgery in October 2024, Jim has bounced back fully and remains deeply engaged in all aspects of his and Jackson’s daily life.
Whether it’s surprising Jackson with a spontaneous day off from school and whisking him away to Key West, Florida, or taking him to conventions like Spooky Empire, Jim makes every moment count. He also delights in playful banter with his son and regularly explores new local restaurants with him, sharing meals, stories, and smiles. Adding to the warmth of their household is Georgia Cane, Jim’s beloved dog, who is more like a second child than a pet. Together, the trio enjoys beach days, movie nights, and the everyday moments that make life rich.
Read More: Carole Tronnes: What Happened to David Tronnes’ Ex-Wife?
