James C. Copley

James Copley (Jim) was born September 3rd,1942 in Franklin, Nebraska. Jim’s father Christian Copley (born in Franklin, Nebraska) and mother Audra Wistrand Copley (born in Wray, Colorado) both lived, farmed, and died in Franklin Nebraska, and were the recipients of Jim’s greatest love and admiration growing up. Just like his parents - Jim’s heart and soul was poured into his share of the land, animals, and crops in Riverton, Nebraska. Up until his last breath Jim faithfully and lovingly tended the Copley Farm for he and his siblings, which encompassed several counties in Nebraska and Kansas.

Jim played college football for Sterling College in Kansas, and also found the love of his life there. Jim is survived by Shirley Copley, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and devoted wife of sixty-two years. He is also survived by children Mark Copley (Wendy), Carrie Garcia (GG), Chris Copley (Clara), and Leah Kudlak (John). Jim’s grandchildren are Kayla Cerquozzi (Anthony), Marina Copley, Nicole Copley, Carina Copley, Natasha Kudlak, Alex Kudlak, and Katie Copley.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his sister Ruth Hostetler (Roger), brother Paul Copley (Cynthia), Father-in-law James Barson, mother-in-law Susan Barson, brother-in-law David McCallum, sister-in-law Nancy Barson, and nephew and godson Jarrett Buckley.

Jim is survived by his sister JoAnn Hossler (Jim) and many family and extended family members ALL who loved and adored Jim. Many Sundays after church the extended family gathered together to enjoy each other’s company at Mt Pleasant or on the farm in the summers. Dad taught us all to cherish the family.

Jim worked hard at everything he did. At Lincoln High School in Nebraska he held the track and field record until just recently for the 220 yard and 100 yard dash! That’s almost sixty years to hold those two high school records! He advanced in his banking career to VP at several Mellon Bank branch offices in Pennsylvania before retiring to Florida. Jim was a member of and volunteered at many Bible based churches as he and Shirley moved around over the years. Jim was a faithful supporter of organizations such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and others that spread the good news of Jesus Christ. He loved his family, friends, and neighbors and helped those in need. Jim faithfully worked, sacrificed, served, saved, and shared. He prided himself on never swearing, drinking, or lying his entire life, only two sips of wine out of respect to the host. God commands us to “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Undoubtedly Jim has been welcomed home to Heaven and greeted with the words “Well done, thy good and faithful servant!”

A Celebration of Life is planned for August 8, 2026 for family and friends at the First Baptist Church of Ruskin. All are welcome to attend to celebrate his life’s contributions.