Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1929
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
James Coplin Obituary
James Thomas Coplin, passed away May 8, 2011 after a short illness.
Born to parents, Gordon and Lola Staples Coplin, he was a lifelong Madison County resident, graduating from Beech Bluff High School. He was a member of the Tennessee National Guard. In 1955, he began his career with Southern Bell (South Central Bell), and retired from AT&T in 1984. For several years after, self-employed, he continued doing what he loved in telecommunications. Jim was affectionately known as "Paps". His true retirement years were filled with projects for his land and fishing ponds, which provided many wonderful memories for family and friends. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church family was home to he and Betty.
Jim leaves his loving wife of 57 years, Betty Upton Coplin; daughters, Julia (Glenn) Cook, Birmingham, AL, Cathy (Randy) Benson and Nancy (Chris) Davis of Pinson, TN; grandchildren, Matthew Cook, Joel Cook, Ryan (Lori) Benson, Reid Benson, Conlee Benson, Justin (Becky) Davis, Nicole (Tony) Bowden; great-grandchildren, Hailey Davis, Luke and Ty Benson, Hunter and Ashlyn Bowden. Jim is survived by sister, Peggy (Ben) Wood; brother and best friend, Julian (Kitty) Coplin; sister-in-law, Peggy Chandler; brother-in-law, Sidney David; loving cousin, Clara Bickerstaff.
Preceding Jim in death in addition to his parents were sisters, Frances Todd, Dorothy Ellis, Mary Priddy and Omega David.
Pallbearers will be Ryan and Reid Benson, Justin Davis, Joel Cook, Bobby Ellis, and Randie Snider. Honorary Pallbearers: Glenn Cook, Randy Benson, Chris Davis, Matthew Cook, Kenny Vernon, Mike Coplin and Dennis Bain.
Funeral services will be at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., with visitation preceding the service at 4 p.m., with Dr. Elzie Danley, Sr. officiating. Private Interment at Beech Bluff Cemetery will be conducted by Brother Tracy Snider on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 2 p.m.
George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555.
Memories and Condolences
for James Coplin
Barbara Chandler
May 14, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed knowing him . My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. A wonderful person like like him will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and be touched by his kindness. Aunt Betty
Jerry Cary
May 10, 2011
Telephone men like Jimmy Coplin were few and far between. There will never be another generation like this one.
Joe & Amanda Holmes
May 10, 2011
Cathy, Randy, Conlee, Reid and Ryan(Lori) So so sorry to hear about your dad passing away Ms. Cathy. I know it is very difficult right now. In weeks to come May God comfort you and give you peace with in. You just have to look at it as he is in such a Better place. Bittersweet. Will be thinking of all of you and praying for you. God Bless You all. Love, Joe & Amanda Holmes
May 10, 2011
Jim Coplin's wonderful smile, shown in the picture you've chosen, revealed the total personality of this dearly beloved man--gentle, sweet, loving, honest, open, friendly, respectable, revered. What a real hero we have lost. Betty and the family, you are in our prayers. Roxie and Roger
Fred Garcia
May 10, 2011
May God bless you all.
Jack A. Smith
May 10, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
W. Jerry Smith
May 10, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Judy Long
May 10, 2011
Julia and Family,
I'm so sorry about the loss of your Father. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family, especially during this time.
Jaunice Blankenship Brantley
May 10, 2011
Betty, my thoughs and prayers are with you and your family on the loss of Jimmy. So sorry to hear of his sudden death. Jauice Blankenship Brantley, Fort Worth, TX
May 10, 2011
My prayers are with the family. I worked with Jimmy at Bell South. He was a wonderful person. Anne Dowdy
May 10, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sorry we can not be there. Phil and Sue Carroll Gulf Shores, AL
Travis Hunt
May 9, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in James Coplin's name
Memorial Events
for James Coplin
Funeral services provided by:
George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home2812 North Highland, Jackson, TN 38305
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Coplin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
