James L. Coppens

Nov. 8, 1945 - Aug. 11, 2010
SOUTH BEND - James Lynn Coppens, 64, of South Bend, died at 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, in his residence following a lengthy illness. Jim was born November 8, 1945, in Mishawaka, IN, to the late Rene and Rose Mary (Roggeman) Coppens, and was a lifetime area resident. He was also preceded in death by a son, Eric "Rick" Coppens. He is survived by his wife, Linda Sanfratello-Coppens; son, Bryon Coppens of Cincinnati, OH; granddaughter, Elsie Coppens; five step-grandchildren; sister, Sharyn J. Allen (Phil) of South Bend; and brother, Michael R. Coppens of Pensacola, FL. Jim's first career was as a teacher and coach at LaLumiere School in LaPorte, IN, and then as Director of Publications and Public Information at Culver Academies, Culver, IN. But he is best known as the Executive Director of the South Bend Civic Theater, from which he retired in 2009. During his tenure he took the theater from its converted firehouse location on Portage Avenue to the newly remodeled former Scottish Rite Building on Main Street. The family will greet friends in the South Bend Civic Theater, 403 N. Main St., on Monday, August 23rd, from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24th, in First United Methodist Church, 333 N. Main St. Memorial contributions may be made to The South Bend Civic Theater, P.O. Box 1146, South Bend, IN 46624; or to The Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North is assisting the family with arrangements.