James Edward "Jim" Copeland III
James Edward "Jim" Copeland III
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James Copeland Obituary
In his youth, Jim was an avid motocross racer and had won several state championships. As he got older, he still enjoyed the sport and announced and flagged races and also enjoyed being a spectator at the national supercross races when they were in Florida. He also taught motorcycle safety classes for 15 plus years.
After graduation from UCF, Jim's career path took him in many different directions, from pizza delivery to radio broadcasting and on to print advertising sales. He became a teacher in later years and at most grade levels as well as working with the exceptional students. After he became ill, he retired from teaching.
Jim is survived by his wife of 29 years, Suzi, who he met on a blind date that she refused to go on and he showed up for anyway. Suzi's mother, Pat convinced her to go on the date and the rest was history. Together they have two wonderful sons, Jimmy IV and Paul and his faithful companion Doc the dog. Jim is also survived by his mother Peggy and his sister Susan and her family.
Jim is predeceased by his father Jim (Doc) and his step father Jack.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to VNA Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
The family will be forever grateful for their loving care of Jim in his final days.
Funeral services will be held at Strunk Funeral Home, 916 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 25, 2024.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of JAMES "JIM" EDWARD COPELAND III, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Cynthia Smith
February 16, 2025
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!
Richard F. Kletty III
October 21, 2024
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.
Nancy Byrne-Barrow
October 19, 2024
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.
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Bobby Lee
October 19, 2024
Dammmm. Not sure what to say. He was a friend and a competitor. We had or share of fun and frustration. Ride on Jimmy.
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