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James Copp Obituary
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Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Jim was a graduate of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, IL and St. Mary's College in Winona, MN. Though growing up surrounded by Chicago White Sox fans, he remained a lifelong and loyal supporter of the Chicago Cubs (suffering years of heartbreak until 2016 when the Cubs finally won the World Series).
South Chicago gave him grit, a sharp sense of humor, and a deep loyalty to the people he loved - along with a lifelong devotion to Chicago-style hot dogs, pizza, and Italian beef sandwiches. He was equally enthusiastic about Ohio State football, having spent many years living in Westerville, Ohio, before retiring to Estero, with his wife, Linda (who preceded him in death), and finally settling in Fort Myers.
A devoted Catholic, Jim's faith was a steady presence throughout his life. He was especially thrilled that Pope Leo XIV hailed from Chicago.
He is survived by his daughter, Kim (Paul); his stepdaughters, Lela and Chelsea; his step-grandchildren, Lu and Evie; and his four-legged friend, Nikki.
Visitation will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, followed by a funeral Mass at Noon. Private burial on July 8, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org/get-involved/ways-to-give) or the ASPCA (https://secure.ASPCA.org).
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16850 Oriole Road Suite 1, Fort Myers, FL 33912
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