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James Copeland Obituary
Vero Beach, FL
Dr. James E. Copeland, Jr. of Vero Beach, FL, a retired Ophthalmologist, died February 21, 2016 at his home in Ft. Pierce, FL after a brief illness. He was 85 years old.
Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1930 Dr. Copeland graduated from Bordentown Military Institute in 1948, Gettysburg College in 1961 and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1965. He interned at Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, PA. His residency was done at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.
Dr. Copeland began his practice of Ophthalmology in Vero Beach in 1969. He was board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He served as President of the Indian River County Medical Society for two years, 1976 and 1977. Dr. Copeland was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was a member of the Florida Medical Association, American Medical Association, Wills Eye Hospital Association, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, PA and the Board of Trustees of the Indian River Memorial Hospital District.
He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served during the Korean War. He had been a past commandant of the Indian River Detachment of the Marine Corps League, the American Legion Post 39, Vero Beach and the Navy League US Treasure Coast Chapter.
He belonged to George Washington Masonic Lodge # 59 F&AM of Philadelphia, the Vero Beach Masonic Lodge #250 F&AM and the Sebastian River Shrine Club. He was also member of the Florida Irish American Society.
Dr. Copeland is survived by his son, James E. Copeland III and his wife, Suzi, and his daughter, Susan Lawton Hodges and her husband, Allen. He has four grandchildren, James E. Copeland IV, Paul T. Copeland, Shelby J. Hodges and Grace L. Hodges.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Lions Club International, 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842 or the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675 in memory of Dr. James E. Copeland, Jr.
Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A memorial service will be at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the Strunk Funeral Home with Masonic Services conducted by the Vero Beach Masonic Lodge 250 F &AM and military honors conducted by the American Legion Post 39, Vero Beach.
An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Copeland
Carolyn Crawford
May 21, 2016
I just learned that "Cope" died when I read his obituary in the Jefferson Medical College magazine. My late husband, Dr Ralph Crawford and he were classmates at Jefferson. We had many fun times together during those med school days and for several years thereafter since both your dad and Ralph took their residencies in Phila. We visited your mountain place in the Carolinas and came to see you in Vero Beach.
He was a great man and a great surgeon. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eyes, probably the Irish heritage shining through. He was very proud of both of you and was always relating your latest accomplishments.
My sincere and deepest sympathy to you both.
Amy MacIntyre
April 7, 2016
Jimmy,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was a good man and will be remembered for a very long time.
Nan Byrne-Barrow
February 29, 2016
Jimmy and Susan,
I am sorry for the loss of your father. my heartfelt condolences for your loss.
With Love,
Nancy Byrne- Barrow
Georgia Martinez
February 29, 2016
Susan and Jimmy, My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father. Losing a parent is never easy. With much love, Georgia White Martinez and family
Sharon Ballou
February 26, 2016
Dr. Copeland was a jewel. It was a pleasure knowing him!
Dawn Maxwell
February 26, 2016
Jimmy. Again my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Nice to see you last night but of course wishing on different circumstances. You will be in my prayers in your weeks and months ahead.
susan yount
February 25, 2016
I am a former patient of Dr Copeland's, he was always so warm and gentle. I have missed him for years since his retirement. I share in the wonder of his beautiful life and I share the sorrow of his loss.
February 25, 2016
Susan,
Thank you so very much for your thoughtful phone call informing us of your father's passiing. It allowed us this opportunity to honor a wonderful man and true gentleman in every respect. The many phone conversations and mail exchanges we shared over the years helped to provide memories and momentoes that will always be endearing to all the many Lake Toxaway fishing gang of guys.
God bless you and yours
Deonnia Todd
February 25, 2016
Susan, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, the few times that I saw him he always had a beautiful smile on his face. I keep you and your family in my heart and prayers. I hope the care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. I pray that God will give you, Allen, Shelby and Grace the strength. Love always.
Jamie and Kim Geller
February 25, 2016
So sorry to hear this, he was an amazing man that I have known most of my life. He will be greatly missed. May God Bless the family through this time.
Brent Hamilton
February 24, 2016
Going you miss you Doc..you were a character and a good friend
February 24, 2016
I wish to extend my condolences to Dr. Copeland's family. I had a potentially serious eye problem from the age of 12. I moved from Michigan in 1974 at the age of 25 and one of my first concerns when arriving in Vero Beach was finding an eye doctor. A referral from my ophthalmologist in Michigan led me to Dr. Copeland.
I immediately felt confident and comfortable in his care. I had many visits with Dr. C. for routine care as well as continuing care of the iris disease. Some years later I needed surgery for a cataract in the problem eye. Dr. C. performed the surgery successfully, and because of problems caused by the disease of the iris, the procedure was very delicate. Dr. C. was up to the task and "on the fly", performed an altered procedure that saved my sight. I was grateful that he was the one performing the surgery. I will always remember him fondly. He was a very fine Doctor, and a great person as well. God be with you and God Bless Dr. C.!!
February 24, 2016
Celeste and I will always remember the many fun times we had at Wills Eye Hospital and Jim's always smiling face.
Donelson and Celeste Manley
Kathy Jones
February 24, 2016
Jimmy and family,
There doesn't seem to be any words to suffice. I am sorry for your loss.
I offer you my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I pray that God will grant you peace, comfort, love and strength.
Granddaddy to two loving little girls.
Susan Hodges
February 23, 2016
Justin & Amanda Davis
February 23, 2016
Condolences to you and the family Susan!! Just know he is at peace and watching over you all everyday!!
John and Debbye Scarborough
February 23, 2016
Susan, we send our sincere condolences. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Love you girl, John and Debbye
February 23, 2016
Diana DuBose
February 23, 2016
Please accept my condolences in the passing of Dr. Copeland. He was not only a Professional, but a friend when I needed one. I will aways remember Dr. Jim, as I knew him. R.I.P. my friend. You have earned your wings.
Jan & Thim Beach
February 23, 2016
Condolences to the family. What a wonderful man and kind physician. May his life be an example to others filled with good memories.
D Evans
February 23, 2016
Condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Jude 2
February 23, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Dr. Copeland. I will always have fond memories of the Copelands, from the day they arrived in Vero Beach from PA. Dr. Copeland was my Ophthalmologist and friend. He was great to work with during the time he was President of IRCMS. Cynthia Peterson, Executive Vice President, Broward County Medical Association (Ft Lauderdale) formerly with the IRCMS.
Bill and Lu Parrish
February 23, 2016
Susan, sending our condolences to you and your family. Please know we are thinking about you at this time. Lu and Bill Parrish
February 23, 2016
Susan ,Jimmy and family
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sadness.
Lois Dermody
Dawn Talbot
February 23, 2016
Susan, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Remembering all the good times will help.
February 23, 2016
Sending our condolences to his family.
Tim & Cassie Hobbs
Official Seal of the Marine Corps League; formed in 1923 and Chartered by Congress in 1937
D. Robin Barker, PRO, Det. 1045, MCL
February 23, 2016
The U.S. Marines and Navy Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen and FMF Chaplains, Associate Members, and Auxiliary of the Martin County, Florida, based Lance Corporal Justin J. Wilson Detachment 1045, of the Marine Corps League, hereby recognize your efforts put forth during a portion of your lifetime by sacrificing to become a United States Marine. We salute you and honor your memory and valiant service to our Corps, and our Nation. Please accept our heartfelt sentiments as a token of our esteem and admiration of your L'Esprit du Corps. Semper Fidelis!
Angela
February 22, 2016
Dr Copeland had a heart of gold and a great laugh. He was loved by us all at New Vision Eye Center. Sending condolences to the family.
Mark Runge
February 22, 2016
RIP my friend. Jim was a class act and we will.miss him.
Hooray Semper Fi
Mark Runge
February 22, 2016
RIP my friend. Jim was a class act and we will.miss him.
Hooray Semper Ti.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
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Memorial Events
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Feb
25
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach916 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Feb
25
Memorial service
6:00 p.m.
Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach916 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Funeral services provided by:
Strunk Funeral Homes and Crematory - Vero Beach916 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
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