James Copeland

James H. Copeland, age 75, a resident of Fifty Lakes, MN died Saturday at his home after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. Services will be Thursday, February 14, 2002 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart Church in Crosslake, MN with Father Dennis Hoffman officiating, burial will be in the Minnesota State Cemetery at Camp Ripley. Friends may call 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Military honors to be provided by the Pequot Lakes American Legion Post #568. Arrangements are with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Crosslake.
James Howard Copeland was born on November 24, 1926 in Fitzgerald, Georgia to Henry and Maggie (Owens) Copeland. He served in the United States Navy from 1942 ? 1948 during World War II. He was united in marriage to his wife Leona Matros of 49 years, 11 months and 3 weeks on February 16, 1952 in Portland Oregon. They lived in Glasgow, Montana for ten years before moving to Minnesota in 1966. He retired from Hunt Electric in St. Paul and Holden Electric in Brainerd as an Electrical Estimator and Project Manager. Jim was an avid sportsman and taught his children to hunt and fish. He was a member of the Pequot Lakes American Legion Post #568 and the Jenkins VFW Post #3839.

James Copeland is survived by his wife; Leona, 2 daughters; Deborah Theiler of Las Vegas, Nevada, Danielle (Charlie) Bethke of Crystal, Mn; 3 sons, Jim (Terry) Copeland of Blaine, MN, Tom (Colleen) Copeland of Mpls, Todd (Ann) Copeland of Fridley, MN; 1 sister; Joan Reed of Byron, Georgia; a brother, Kenneth Copeland of Columbus, Georgia, 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers.