CAPT "Ret." James Copeland Day

James Copeland Day, Captain, United States Navy (Retired), Surface Warfare Officer, passed away February 27, 2026.

Captain Day spent twenty-seven years in the United States Navy and retired in 2000.

Captain Day began his career in NROTC at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1973, Jim was commissioned and received a fleet appointment in the USS Fortify. He attended the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, Rhode Island.

During his tenure as a Naval officer, he served on many ships including the USS Spruance 1976-1978, USS Caron 1979-1980, USS Portland 1981-1983, USS De Wert 1985-1997, and as commanding officer of the USS Reuben James from 1990-1992.

Captain Day also served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon from 1982-1985 and again from 1987-1990. From 1992-1996 Captain Day worked for the United States Pacific Command in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. From 1996-2000 Captain Day worked for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

Captain Day received numerous military commendations including two Defense Superior Service Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, four Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, Navy Unit Commendation, USCG Unit Commendation for Caribbean Anti-drug efforts known as Operation "O", Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Battle Efficiency "E", Navy Expeditionary Medal, three National Defense Service Medals, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (six 90 plus day deployments). Jim was an associate member of the Lewis G. Wakins #1131 Marine Corp League Detachment in Seneca SC. He received the honor of being selected as the Associate Member of the year in 2023 for both the Seneca and the State Marine Corps League Detachments.

After retiring from the Navy, Jim continued to work for DISA from 2000-2014.

Following retirement, Jim continued to volunteer his time in the community always looking for ways that he could better the lives of those around him. He was a contributing force with the Toys for Tots program as well as Baby Read. He built furniture for the DAR and made beds for the group "Sleep in Heavenly Peace". Jim also faithfully supported the Wounded Warrior Project, contributing to the organization on a monthly basis in honor of those who served.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Pamela Ann Day of Jackson, Michigan; two daughters, Christina Sauceda of Jackson, Michigan and Cassandra Colvin of San Diego, California; a sister, Rebecca Sue Day of Front Royal, Virginia; two brothers, Laurence S. Day of Seneca and Randy Day of Front Royal; and one grandchild, Erin Nicole Sauceda.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lara Brooks Day.

Jim Day lived a life of faithful dedication. He loved his family fiercely, served his nation honorably, and uplifted his community humbly. In the end, his life stands as a testament to steady leadership, enduring love and selfless service.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, March 13, 2026 at Davenport Funeral Home Chapel, West Union, SC.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting the following link https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=16821&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS26001AAABRXAA&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1755672625&gbraid=0AAAAADg1WjrTm1LkM57Vt1rPpncAI_Oe4&gclid=CjwKCAiAtq_NBhA_EiwA78nNWKOXCUNSQPC7frh9ufWJGNVK8wf4KlpAKcA4iyWxs9QuZm7L9fY1oxoCf3MQAvD_BwE