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James Coppens Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Coppens
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Phyllis Hardy
June 19, 2011
I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part
God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.
Love,
Aunt Phyl
November 22, 2007
Jimmy,
Another Thanksgiving without you..I miss you so much. Please take care of me, the pups and our families..
Love you,
Bill
Priscilla (Coppens) Mahy
July 29, 2006
My condolences to the family of James Coppens. I did not know Jim , a friend sent me a copy of his obituary. I was brought up a Coppens in Chicago. My father, Cornelius Coppens was born in Belgium as Cornelius Van den Berg. His mother remarried in Superior, Wi. and he changed his name to Coppens because of the love he had for his step-father. Coppens is not a common name. I don't know of any connection but wondered. I have a brother, Louis Coppens who has 3 sons, Lou, Jim and Bill Coppens. So the name James Coppens lives on in Il. Thought you might like to know. I hope you won't mind my input and will accept my condolences at your loss.
John Levey
July 24, 2006
Bill, Keith & Paul, Katherine, Mike & Brad, Michael & Terry, Shifra, Peter and ALL of Jim’s friends,
I was very fortunate to have Jim as my brother (in-law I consider too formal). He was a special person, and I know that words cannot do justice to what he meant to everyone. I know that he will never be far from my thoughts, and as much as I think about him, I will think of all of you. Bill, you are one of the strongest, most patient, most loving men that I have ever known, and I am so proud that you are Katie’s Godfather. I cannot imagine what you are going through, but I know that you will get through it because of the great support that your wonderful friends give to you. I am very grateful to have gotten to know you and your family so well over the past few years, and although we were not there for all of the good times, I feel connected to them through the stories I have heard. I look forward to many more good times, and knowing that Jim will be with us as we keep him in our hearts.
As I am very bad at remembering names, I will not attach any to the many acts of kindness, devotion, and love that I have witnessed over the past year or so, and more so the past few months. I am truly in awe at the response that all of you had when Jim and Bill needed you the most. Anything from a quick phone call, to walking a dog or two, to stopping by with groceries, might be considered a generous act during a difficult time, but you all did so much more. Elaborate meals, considerate cards, thoughts, and prayers, cases of beverages, cleaning (when you could get it done before Jim’s Aunts), yard maintenance (to put it politely), hugs, massages, and just the re-assuring voices that comforted everyone, could never be replaced. The “Above-and-Beyond” things that were done in Jim’s final days and for the memorial service were truly a sign of how much you all love Jim and Bill, and thank you’s will never be enough to express the proper gratitude. I know that you all love Jim, and you are going through the same things his family is. I hope that in the times to come our paths will cross many times, and as I know I cannot repay you kindnesses, at least we can share a drink, a laugh, a memory of the great man who left us with each other.
Todd Zimmermann
July 24, 2006
Dear Bill and Family,
Words cannot begin to express how sorry I was to learn of Jim's death. It's obvious from the sentiments expressed in this Guest Book, just how much he was loved. I hope in some small way that it helps all of you to know that so many people share in your grief. Jim's memory will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Pam Levey
July 19, 2006
I am very blessed to have had you in my life. You have not only been my big brother but my confidant, protector, number one supporter and my best friend through the years. Yes we argued as children as most siblings do, but the older we got the closer we grew. I have learned so many things from you over the years and have always been so proud of you and honored to be your little sister.
You always put others first and always made sure everyone was taken care of before you thought of yourself. Even after you came home from the Hospital this last time you were the perfect host always wanting to take care of us and never wanting us to wait on you. You would get so upset even if we tried, it makes me laugh now at how stubborn you could be.
You always hated being the center of attention, but somehow you always captivated everyone in the room with your sweet smile, your contagious laugh and your charm. In you we all saw what a true friend is and who we wanted to be.
I will treasure every memory I have of you... Magician Lake, Deer Forest, the Kellog's Factory, Disney World, Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nemo on Ice, Wicked and the Incredibles, but not the Grand Canyon. I will cherish most all of the special Holiday moments we shared, most of all the past few Thanksgivings with you and Bill.
You were there for me through every up and down over the years and no matter what you always had open arms, an open mind and a shoulder for me to cry on. And although my children only had a short time with you they will always know what an amazing man and a remarkably loving uncle you are. Everytime we go to Brookfield Zoo we will think of you. Although I will no longer have you here to reach out and hold - I will always hold you deep in my heart.
karen call
July 18, 2006
i am a business associate who has known jim for 9 years or so. i just heard the news today and am quite saddened by it. There is a quote that goes: "life's journey is not to arrive at the Pearly Gates safe in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, totally worn out, shouting "woo hooooo!!!! what a ride!" maybe in Jim's case, it was coffee in hand--but i always admired his ability to live his life with so much spirit, kindness and aliveness, knowing what he had to personally battle with everyday. he will be missed. --restaurant evaluators, inc.
Janinne (Simard) Glad & Family
July 17, 2006
Uncle Rich & Aunt Mary, Brad & Julie, Pam & John, Bill and all the kids,
Losing someone is never easy. Knowing Jim is no longer in pain and smiling down from above will help. When my grandparents died I told my daugter, Megan, "when the sun shines they are smiling down on us & when it rains they are missing us. No matter what they are always with us." I wish all of you the best. God Bless.
Aunt Jan Hardy
July 16, 2006
Rich,Mary,Bill,Brad,and Pam,
Our family has many wonderful memories of Jim that will keep him alive in our hearts forever. Jim will be missed more than words can be expresed. He put up a good fight, but his body was just to tired to go on. May God give you the peace and strength you need to get through this difficult time. You now have a special angel to watch over you.
Linda Gittins (Garcia)
July 16, 2006
Jim was a wonderful caring man and will be missed by all his friends in Milwaukee. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill and Jim's family members.
BONNIE GRENIER
July 15, 2006
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
July 15, 2006
FOR THE FAMILIES, & Bill,
I will pray for you.
Stacey (Beatty) Vitell
July 15, 2006
We all knew this day would come,but yet we're not ready for it either.
Jim was a wonderful man. He touched so many of us.
He meant many different things to many different people.
It truly is amazing that this one man, brings us all together.
I ask that everyone remember the one thing they loved most about him. Maybe it was having coffee with him, or how he and Bill had a remarkable love for each other. Maybe it was how he loved his dogs, or days spent with him on a boat. Maybe it's a memory of when he was a child or a time shared with him at work.
It is this memory that will comfort us in the days to come when we are sad. Keep the memory close in your hearts and this will keep Jim close.
At the end of the day, it is not where you go in life, but rather who goes along with you. It makes me happy to know that for a short time, Jim was beside me.
For me, my moment is his laugh.
That that moment just before his laugh turned into a cackle. I will miss our heart to hearts over coffee. I will cherish the times when it was just Bill, Jim & I.
He had fought the good fight and now he is at peace. Jim will be with us forever.
God Bless us all.
Terri Almaguer
July 15, 2006
Though we had the opportunity to see Jim on visits to the cottage in Michigan when we were younger, many years had passed without seeing him. We kept up somewhat about what he was doing through visits with his mother. So we are very thankful that we had the chance to see him at the recent wedding of his cousin. We will always remember how much fun we had on those occasions.
Terri Almaguer and Norma and Bill Blocker
Robyn Jones
July 14, 2006
Jim is a light in the darkness & I will never forget him. Everyone that knew him was touched by his generosity & loving spirit. To me he was a mentor and friend. This world will not be the same without him in it. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family & loved ones.
Mary Ellen (Enna) Nickels
July 14, 2006
Dear Bill and Family,
My sincere sympathy to all of you. Words don't seem quite adequate but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you're trying to cope during these difficult days. I hope all the good memories of the time you had with Jim will be comforting.
Carrie, Dean, Kayla,Danielle Wollenzien
July 14, 2006
Dear Uncle Dick,Aunt Mary, Bill, Pam and Brad,
Words cannot even say how dearly sorry I am. My heart breaks just thinking about the pain that you must all feel. All I know is that my heart is breaking also. I know that dad will watch out for him. Probably even tell him jokes all the time, and make him laugh. He is also with grandma and grandpa. They all will love and watch over him.
When I think about my favorite days that I had with Jimmy, I have 2. The day that me, Uncle Dick, and Jimmy went out on the yellow boat, and it tipped over. We couldn't get it back up. A boat finally came and helped us. I had so much fun that day. The other is when me Jim and Bill had coffee after Jim Bonds wedding. I really will remember that whole conversation in my heart till the day I die. It meant alot to me to spend time with him. I will forever miss my friend, my cousin, he will never be away from my heart. I am truly sorry to all of you. My heart cries for you all. All my love forever, Carrie
Phyllis Hardy
July 14, 2006
We all learned so very much from him. What an amazing person; so full of love, kindness and good humor.
May happy memories of times past with Jim sustain us through this very difficult time.
Kathy Metzen(Geisen)
July 13, 2006
Jim was the first little guy I ever baby sat for. He was a great kid then and a kind and wonderful man now. Our families were and still are very good friends. Jim will be greatly missed. Love, Kathy
July 13, 2006
Bill,
My sincere sympathy.
Richard Coppens
July 13, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Jeanne Dorff
July 13, 2006
Best wishes for Jim's family and friends. I did not know Jim but I know he was loved.
Margo's friend
Jeanne
July 13, 2006
Jim's generous spirit will be with us always. We are honored to be his friends.
Mike Patton & Brad bush
Linda Lyons
July 13, 2006
Dear Dick, Mary & Family, Please aceept our sympathy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Rich & Linda Lyons
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