B.J. Copeland

Dr. B.J. Copeland, age 89, passed away January 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, faith and service. He had a deep faith in humanity and a great appreciation for the natural world.

Born November 20, 1936, B.J. was raised in rural Oklahoma on a family farm in Mannsville by his parents, Dorthy and Bill Copeland, with two younger brothers and younger sister. Those early years shaped his lifelong respect for the land, his appreciation for hard work, and a commitment to community.

After excelling in academics and 4-H activities in high school, B.J. attended Murray State School of Agriculture in Tishomingo and Oklahoma State University where he earned a master's degree and doctorate in limnology. At OSU he also met the love of his life, Jean Van Nortwick. They married on January 26, 1963, and celebrated more than 62 years of loving marriage in 2025.

B.J. became a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at the University of Texas Marine Science Laboratory at Port Aransas in 1962. After marrying Jean, the young couple lived in Port Aransas and started a family with the adoption of two baby girls. The couple later adopted an older boy.

B.J. was hired at NC State University as a professor of zoology in 1970. His most enduring professional contribution came in 1973 when he became director of the North Carolina Sea Grant program, part of the federal and state-funded Sea Grant Network. Devoted to promoting the wise use of coastal and marine resources through research, extension and education, Sea Grant supported a program in every U.S. coastal and Great Lakes state. When Sea Grant was zeroed out of the federal budget in the 1980s, BJ was instrumental in proving to Congress the value of translating science and extension into economic impacts along our nation's waterways. He was known for his ability to bring people together, balance science with practical application, and mentor young scientists and administrators. B.J. retired from NC State in 1997.

B.J. believed in service and his volunteer activities were numerous throughout his life. The Appalachian Service Project, the Cary-Kildaire Rotary Club, and Meals On Wheels were among the groups to which he contributed his time and skills. In his younger days he coached his daughter's softball teams and his son's basketball team; and with his own pig-cooker he would volunteer to grill a pig or chicken for any group who asked. After retirement, B.J. was appointed by the governor to the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission, where he helped guide thoughtful stewardship of marine resources.

His faith was an important and steady presence throughout his life. B.J. served his church at Cary First United Methodist for many years. In 2012, he and Jean joined Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Siler City, where he continued to find meaning through worship, fellowship, volunteerism, leadership and service.

B.J. found joy in gardening and farming, taking pride in tending his garden and animals with care and precision. B.J. and Jean owned a farm near Apex from 1978 to 2002 and later a farm near Pittsboro.

Above all, B.J. Copeland was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Jean Copeland; son Gary (Deborah), grandsons Tyler and William; daughters MJ Copeland and Christy Jernigan (Brian), grandson Jake; and nephew John Brodie (Lynsey). He is also survived by his brothers, Dean and Jerry (Sandy), sister Linda Cox and a host of beloved family and friends who will always remember his kindness, wisdom, sense of humor, love of good food and steady presence. For many who knew and loved him, B.J.'s deep voice and his loud belly laugh will always be remembered. His excellent memory and quick wit made him an entertaining teller of stories and jokes. We can only hope that some of us can tell them as well as he did. B.J. will long be remembered with gratitude, admiration, love and a big smile.

A memorial service celebrating B.J.'s life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2026 at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 7019 Pleasant Hill Church Rd, Siler City, NC 27344. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service on Friday from 1-2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of B.J. Copeland to: Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina at PO Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina 28450; or Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church at PO Box 1322, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Copeland Family.