James Martin Copeland

James Martin Copeland, of Holly Pond, Alabama, entered into the presence of our Lord on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the age of 82. Mr. Copeland was born in Sipsy, Alabama, on July 2, 1941, to the late Henry Pleasant and Mozelle Cook Copeland.

James was a child of God and his love for his Savior led him to serve others. Mr. Copeland and his family lived in various places over his lifetime, but James was always active within the local church body. Mr. Copeland and his wife, Johnnie Kathryn, most recently attended worship at Redan Missionary Baptist Church. James was also a Mason, was a member of Civitan International, and was a member of the Elks Lodge in Branson, Missouri. Mr. Copeland also campaigned for President Ronald Reagan. James had the opportunity to meet the President, and he received a handshake of gratitude for his efforts to the campaign.   

A true patriot, James served his nation honorably in the United States Army National Guard as a helicopter crew chief. His love for flying led him to acquire his Instrument Flight License as well as his Commercial Pilot License. James also loved the water, and he could be found boating, skiing, or fishing any time he had the opportunity.

Mr. Copeland was a talented writer and has published several books over the years. His poetry and writings often speak of his faith in his Lord and Savior. One such prayer inspired by his participation in the Emmaus Walk, intitled “Daily Prayer,” includes the following:” Open wide the eyes of my soul that I may see Good in all things; Grant me this day some new vison of thy Truth, Inspire me with the spirit of joy and gladness.”

James provided for his family as a sales manager, and part of his job was to establish new sales routes for the company. Mr. Copeland was an extremely hard-working man, and his persistence and talents led him to be successful in the industry in which he worked.

Mr. Copeland loved his family and they in turn loved him. James’s children deem their father their personal hero, and his sacrifices over the years for those he loved has not gone unnoticed. A dedicated man of God, James’s love for his Savior, family, and his country leaves behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, and servanthood. He will be missed greatly.

Mr. Copeland is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mozelle Copeland.

Those surviving Mr. Copeland includes his beloved wife, Johnnie Kathryn Copeland; children, James Timothy Copeland (Melanie), Stephanie Copeland Nelson (Tim); stepsons, Richard Lee Chambers, J. David Chambers (Sandy); grandchildren, Rebecca Laney (Aaron), Jason Cravens (Jacqueline), Jeremy Cravens (Stephanie), Jennifer Cravens, Chasity Ray (Austin); and great-grandchildren, Benjamin Laney, Charlotte Laney, Norah Laney, Brooklyn Ray, and Cody Ray.

Funeral services for Mr. Copeland will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 11, 2024, in the Holly Pond Funeral Home Chapel, Pastor Mike King officiating. Friends are invited to join the family for a time of visitation prior to services, from 10 a.m., until services begin. Mr. Copeland will be buried in Mt. Vernon Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following funeral services where he will receive military honors. Tim Copeland, Tim Nelson, Richard Chambers, David Chambers, Austin Ray, and Phillip Patterson will serve as pallbearers for Mr. Copeland.

The Copeland family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Woodland Nursing Home, with a special thank you to those who work the west hall, as well as to the Avenna Hospice nurses. The exceptional care and compassion shown to Mr. Copeland and his family over the past year will not be forgotten. 

Holly Pond Funeral Home is truly honored to serve the Copeland family and our thoughts and prayers are with them all.