James Michael Copus

James (Jim) Michael Copus
Born: December 9, 1951, Beloit, WI
Died: December 10, 2024, Phoenix, AZ
Jim Copus was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, on December 9, 1951, to Pat and Bennie Copus. He grew up in a close-knit family, alongside his beloved sister, Kathy. He graduated from Beloit Catholic High School in 1970.
On August 12, 1972, Jim married Kathy Flynn. Over the years it occasionally became a humorous mix-up as both his wife and sister shared the same name. Through marriage Jim expanded his family significantly, adding Kathy's 11 siblings to his circle.
Shortly after their marriage Jim and Kathy moved to Tucson, Arizona where Jim's family had relocated. Jim supported Kathy while she completed her nursing degree, then he returned to college earning a BA in Anthropology from the University of Arizona. Jim spent several years in archaeology in Arizona, enjoying the excitement of digs but finding the contract work too unstable. He shifted gears, earning a Master's in Urban Planning from the University of Arizona and working for over 20 years as a city planner in Arizona and Texas.
In 2018, Jim and Kathy retired to Arizona to be closer to their families, returning to the desert he loved so much.
Jim was a proud owner (2 shares) of the Green Bay Packers.
His father-in-law Ray Flynn designated Jim the patriarch of the family when Ray passed. He embraced the role, taking pride in his position and taking every advantage to remind everyone of his title. Jim was also a welcome member of PTTIS (Praise To The Intertwining Spirit), a group of grade school/high school friends who have, from far and wide, gotten together every year for the last 47 to maintain the bonds of friendship.
In November of 2024, Jim was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away peacefully at home on December 10, 2024, surrounded by his two Kathys.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy; his sister, Kathy; and her two sons, Santos and Sergio. He is also survived by Kathy's siblings and their spouses: Anne Flynn and Jon Buggs, Tim and Dagmar Flynn, Mike and Teresa Flynn, Dan and Susan Vogel Flynn, Betsy and Joe Mackey, Patty and Dave Miller, John and Rose Flynn, Sara and Evan Leander, Paul Flynn and Lisa White, Andy Flynn, and Jim Flynn, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's name may be made to the Wild at Heart Raptor Center in Cave Creek, AZ, at wildatheartraptors.org. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.