James Edward "Jim" Copeland III

Before I ever met Jim, I was using his Schwinn High Plains bike to cruise around Melbourne when I visited my aunt. My cousin Suzi was dating Jim, and he kept his bike at Aunt Pat's house. I enjoyed biking, and used Jim's bike to familiarize myself with the area. I liked it so much that I bought one when I went home! a few years later, Suzi and Jim were married, and came to Ohio for a visit. I could then take Jim cruising around the Brimfield area, since I could offer him one of my bikes to use. We had a good ride, but he found out that cycling the NE Ohio terrain was NOT the same as riding in Florida or on a track! He did admit to being tired and sore the next day!

We were in little league baseball together as kids. Our families I think we're tied together because we were from Philly and so the Copeland's were from there too. Jimmy's dad was our eye Dr.
Jimmy was a year older than me. I'll never forget my band was playing in Melbourne and he came to see us. After our set he told us we should never play that kind of music again. LOL
That was probably 1987. I didn't see him again until the early-mid 90s. I was living in Altamonte and went down to Hooters to pick up a to go order. I walked in and Jimmy was there picking up an order. We had a good long conversation.

Haven't seen him since then. He was always a great person and we always had a good time together when we were kids. He was from a wonderful family.

He will be missed. My condolences go out to his mom, wife and children.

Jimmy and I have been friends for what seems like 100 years. The times we´ve laughed, and the private jokes we´ve shared will always be cherished. We all get older and lose that closeness of youth, but we´d touch base every few years to catch up and talk about our families and our lives.
The laughter of our youth was always remembered, especially a time we laughed harder than we ever thought possible, one Saturday night standing in the driveway of Dan Hardee´s families home. I´ll never forget the great times.
What a great human Jimmy was! His soul was deep and so very kind, he was the kind of friend everyone hopes to have. I´m blessed to have known him.
My deepest condolences to Suzy and his boys and Miss Peggy.

Dammmm. Not sure what to say. He was a friend and a competitor. We had or share of fun and frustration. Ride on Jimmy.