JAMES COPELAND OBITUARY

April 14, 1934 - Nov. 22, 2011
SOUTH BEND - James W. Copeland, residing in South Bend, passed away peacefully at 4:40 a.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2011 in his home. He was 77 years old. He was born April 14, 1934 in Lima, Ohio, son of Don & Irene (Haman) Copeland.

Jim graduated from Central High School in South Bend, and the Los Angeles Mortuary Science Program.

He served as a Funeral Director at Van Orsdel Family Funeral Chapels in Miami, Florida for 32 years. He later received his degree as a Registered Nurse working for 17 years in North Carolina, Alaska, and at St. Joseph Hospital, Mishawaka, Indiana.

In 1952 in South Bend, Jim and Joan Jones were united in marriage. Jim is survived by Joan, his loving wife of 59 years.

Jim is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca Copeland (Michael Ronchetti) of Anchorage, Alaska; his son, Phillip Copeland of Miramar, Florida; his only grandchild, Alexander Copeland Ronchetti of Washington D.C.; and his nephew, Kerry Chreist of Rockledge, Florida. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Wendland of Pompano Beach, Florida.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Thomas Copeland; his daughter-in-law, Johanna Copeland on December 22, 2008; and his sister, Martha.

Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka. He served as Sacristan at St. Anthony de Padua and St. Joseph's Churches. The family wishes to express their grateful appreciation to Julie & David at the Center for Hospice Care, for the tender loving care they provided for Jim, and to Nancy & Chris Thilman, Kerry Chreist, and Sandy D. for all they have done.

Family and friends may visit from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 27, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 28, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, where visitation will occur one hour prior to Mass.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mr. Copeland may be offered to: Center for Hospice Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, Indiana 46637 or Pet Refuge, 2300 West 6th Street, Mishawaka, Indiana 46544. Online condolences to the Copeland family may be sent to www.palmerfun eralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Nov. 26, 2011.

01/11/2023 EJS