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James Cope Obituary
Jim COPE James Willard Cope died unexpectedly at his home in Houston, TX on March 1, 2011. Jim was born on March 15, 1946 in Oklahoma City but spent his childhood in Oak Harbor, Washington. He was awarded a full academic and athletic scholarship to the University of Washington, '66-'69, where he was a halfback, holding a 30+ year record for eleven receptions in a game. Over the years, Jim was board president of the UW Tyee Club, Chapter Advisor to the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, worked for IBM, Merrill Lynch, and had several entrepreneurial ventures. He loved his children, family, friends, dogs and his beloved Huskies and also enjoyed fishing and boating with his brother Paul and honorary brother Ole Carlson. During the last decade, Jim found a love for Texas and his church. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, warmth and big hugs. Jim is survived by his wife, Sherry, parents, Paul and Helen Cope Sr., son Brandon and daughter-in-law Timeri, son Payton, daughters Ashley and Samantha, granddaughters Zoe and Madison, brother Paul Jr. and several nieces and nephews. A celebration service will be held on Sunday, April 17 at 2:00pm at the WAC. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Cope
Sponsored by His Loving Daughters.
Scott Hornung
March 15, 2019
As three years his junior in OHHS, I knew Jim Cope by observation as an exceptional athlete and by reputation as a exceptional individual. As testimony to the fact that his memory lives on, two nights ago, without anticipating the documentation of this remembrance, the topic of discussion turned to OHHS football. It was mentioned how Jim Cope would "turn the jets on" as he rounded the corner and out run everybody.
Jim Waller, sports writer for the March 26, 2011 edition of the WNT noted: "Jim Cope, Oak Harbor sports legend..."
He will not be forgotten.
OHHS Football Jim Cope Records 1962-63
Scott Hornung
March 15, 2014
March 17, 2013
To Jim's family--we had lunch in Oak Harbor in Feb 2013 and lifted our glasses to Jim and Sharon Potter. We miss them terribly. Ardelle and the Class of 1964 OHHS
Samantha Cope
March 1, 2013
Hi daddy,
Today I wear my yellow proudly. I am so thankful that you are my daddy & I'm proud to call myself your daughter. I miss you everyday.
Richard Batley
August 28, 2012
I just heard of Jim Cope's passing.I was a freshman student at UW when Jim had that record breaking day against USC (11 passes).It was one of those magic moments I will never forget because we had a chance to upset USC in Los Angeles.I was in the UW ballroom with my girlfriend at a dance but listened on radio to the final moments of the game.USC did prevail but what a performance by Jim Cope.I was a baseball player so I would see him at Hec Ed or just walking campus and I can tell you he was a larger than life athlete.He had the "Warrior" knot on his forehead from from his helmet.One of my favorite Huskies of all time.My condolences to his family.You have lost a great man.
Ashley Cummins
February 29, 2012
Daddy, not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I often reach for my phone to call you and tell you about whats new in my life. I know that you are here watching over me every day. I miss you more than words can say and I love you so very much!
Samantha Cope
February 14, 2012
I still miss you daddy. I wish you were here so I can tell you what I'm doing for Valentines day. I love you.
Scott Hornung
April 17, 2011
I was exceptionally saddened when I heard of the passing of Jim Cope. Although I did not know Jim personally, he was still an important part of my life. He was in OHHS’64; I was in OHHS’67. We looked up to the Class of ’64 as the standard-bearers of excellence, and Jim Cope was the best of the best. Whenever Coach McGillivray wanted to give us high praise, he would compare our achievements to OHHS’64 and Jim Cope. Jim Cope made us better and left a legacy of excellence in Oak Harbor High School athletics. Of course, Jim Cope went on to excel in football at the UW; I went to my first college football game just to which Jim Cope, from small town Oak Harbor, play big time college football for the Purple and Gold.
On this day when we celebrate Jim’s life and mourn his passing, my hope is that Jim’s family takes comfort in knowing that he touched many lives along the way and those many lives were positively influenced by the life of Jim Cope.
Steve Willard
April 16, 2011
To all of Jim's family especailly Paul, Helen, Paul Jr, and those of his kids I was fortunate to meet. Jim was my classamate at the Phi Delt house where we met. I have to say I have many fond memories of my time with Jim, lots of laughs , and many stories. I loved that his family was from Oklahoma since all my relatives are too. My grandson is named James Willard Jackson...Will Jackson for short so Jim will always be close. I will miss Jim and the memories will always make me smile.
April 6, 2011
Jim was a very classy guy and a superb athelete. Playing football for Jim Owens was not for the faint of heart, but he performed admirably. He was such a positive and highly motivated inspiration for the team.
Don Kilgore, Husky Head Manager '63-'67
Janie (Nelles) Calvert
March 30, 2011
I met Jim in high school through MYF (our district church youth group). He stood out then as an outstanding person and friend. He was fun and a gentleman. I am sorry to hear of his homegoing, but heaven is all the richer. Blessings upon all his family.
Mac Bledsoe
March 28, 2011
Jim was a great teammate! He was a fellow we all could count on to give his best on every play and at every practice. He was a happy spirit in down times and he was just a wonderful person. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jim Cope was a great Husky!
Mac Bledsoe, Husky Team Captain Class of "68
Bll Price
March 27, 2011
Jim's son Payton was one of my best friends growing up on Mercer Island. I have a great memories of Jim taking us to see UW play USC in September of 1990. He also got me a summer job at the northwest industrial building in downtown seattle. I also have good memories of seeing him in Pullman as I was also a PHI Delt at WSU. Jim will be missed.
Morrie Shepherd
March 26, 2011
Jim was my first best friend in life, as my next door neighbor and school mate from (1951) first grade through graduation at the UW (1968). In the summer of 1965 we travelled to the US Virgin Islands together where Jim took a job on the hard rock crew to build strength for the coming football season and I found myself on the other end of Jim's football. Not an athlete myself, I did claim bragging rights for my old friend during the succeeding seasons at the UW. And today I still hold my Jim Cope Husky Legends football card I proudly shared with my sports-nut kids as they grew up. I'm grateful to have recently spent time last summer with Jim after a lifetime of separation. He was at peace to be blessed by God and his church in Houston. To Paul, Helen, Paul Jr and all of Jim's extended family, my heartfelt condolences.
Penny Morris
March 24, 2011
Jim was my "fake" Dad, as he and I lovingly called him. We had many fun times on Queen Anne Hill and Mercer Island. He lived life fully, once staying up an entire weekend to tape the Beatles from A to Z on 98 Rock. Jim blessed all whose lives he touched. He will be sorely missed.
Terri Hildebrandt & Hal, Hayley & Zz Quinn
March 23, 2011
Jim, here I am writing on the Guest Book while you look over my shoulder from beyond. You know what is in all our hearts and you also know that all of us carry with us your legacy of loving kindness. I smile as the memories surge forth, of the blissful years on Mercer Island with the family, along with Sadie & Rio!
To all of your family, in Texas, in Colorado, in Arizona, in Seattle, we extend our deepest sympathy. You touched our lives and our hearts forever.
Coby Silllers
March 22, 2011
To Jim's Family - I'm an old friend of Jim's from his IBM days. Even though I haven't seen Jim in many years, my memories of him are strong. Jim made such an impression on all he met. He was talented, competitive, smart, understanding, generous, kind, humble and fun, fun, fun. In short Jim was a wonderful guy who everyone loved to be around. Jim had my utmost respect as a man and professional... he will be missed by many. Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss - one that we all share...
Samantha Cope
March 22, 2011
Daddy, I miss you everyday. I love you with all my heart. Thanks for being my dad.
Jim Brooks (C 69)
March 22, 2011
To Jim's (Extended) Family:
I was a fraternity brother of Jim's from 1966-1969. Although our paths diverged after graduation, I have always held fond memories of him, whether it was listening to his views on life, cheering him on with the Huskies (I still vividly recall a large group of us listening to his record-setting USC game on the radio), or just relaxing with him around the fraternity house. He was an inspiration, always a gentleman, full of enthusiasm, warmth and integrity. He will be missed. My prayers go out to you, his family.
RJ Selfridge
March 22, 2011
My dad went to the U in the late 30's, and ushered at the Stadium in the 60's and 70's. I have always remembered him telling me that "Jim Cope is the best running back pound for pound that I ever saw". My thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family.
Bob Jarvis
March 21, 2011
Dear Jim Cope Family,
I last saw Jim at a Husky football game a few years ago and we talked for several minutes about the good old days. Jim was a ferocious competitor, and he was very vey fast. He was a truly bright light in a dark period of Husky football. I was sad to hear of Jim's passing. He was a fine teammate. My condolences to his Family and Friends.
Sharon and Harry Rogers
March 21, 2011
Dear Family and Friends,
We are comforted knowing that Jim is where he wanted to be, with our Lord and Savior. His love of the Lord and family, (including the beloved dogs), along with his sense of humor will stay with us forever. We are lucky to have had him in our lives. Sharon and Harry Rogers
March 21, 2011
I have fond memories of you my friend; as a crew jock our paths crossed many times in the pav and lower level of the Graves bldg. We played flag football together after we both had graduated, you were always in good spirits and a joy to be around; I will remember your tough competitive spirit. To Sherry and your family, my heartfelt condolences, we were all blessed to have known you Jim. God Bless. Rick Cole, Crew '69 (Ellensburg)
Pam Cope
March 20, 2011
Dear Uncle Jim - will never forget your kindness, and how much you loved your family & the puppies.
Greg Smith
March 20, 2011
To all family of Jim Cope. Jim was an inspiration to all of us in ourdays of youth growing up in Oak Harbor. When Ole letme know of Jim s passing I was deeply saddened. Then joyous, having countless memories of Jim, Paul Jr. and Ole too. I passed the word to our many common friends. Everyone shared their memories of probably the greatest athlete and most personable individual Oak Harbor High School ever produced.
Bret Cope
March 20, 2011
Rest easy cousin Jim. Sincerest condolences, Bret & Terrie Cope & family...(I will always remember seeing cousin Jim's color photo, running the football, on the front page of the Seattle Times following a UW game.)
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