Jack L. Copeland

COPELAND, Jack L. was born in Hollywood, CA, in 1927, and passed away at his home in Northridge, CA, on Oct. 7, 2007. A 40-year media career of producing feature films, documentaries, and award-winning training films began when he served as a photographer in the U.S. Army at the end of WWII. As the head of Jack Copeland Productions founded in the early 1950's, he wrote, produced, and directed a number of films, including the 1957 feature "Hell's Five Hours" starring Vic Morrow, and "Decision at Delano", the story of the California grape strike with Caesar Chavez and Robert Kennedy. In 1966, Jack formed the National Education Media, Inc. (NEM). Before selling the company in 1988 to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Jack produced more than 100 training films on management, customer relations, sales, food service, and hotel operations which earned more than 75 awards in national and international competitions. Jack also received the President's "E" and "E Star" Awards for Excellence in Exporting from the U.S. Department of Commerce for his international marketing of his productions. In 1978, Jack co-founded the Training Media Association to combat the illegal copying of copyrighted material. As TMA's first president and ten-year board member, Jack testified before Congress twice in support of stronger copyright protections. After the sale of NEM in 1988, Jack was able to pursue his interest in the American West by becoming a member of the Western Art Council of the Palm Springs Museum and helping to sponsor the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum. Travel and golf were also special joys of Jack. When he and his wife, Muriel, were not traveling to such destinations as Europe, China, or parts of the U.S., they played golf and attended functions at the Hillcrest Country Club in L.A. and the Seven Lakes Country Club in Palm Springs. They both also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their homes in Northridge and Palm Springs. Jack is survived by his children Allen, Ann, and Steven; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services will be held Friday, Oct. 12, at 10:00 a.m. at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Santa Clarita, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Horizons, 15725 Parthenia St., North Hills, CA 91343.