IN MEMORY
Princeton Alumni Weekly
July 21, 1980
JAMES DUDLEY COPELAND JR
Jim died in St. Louis on April 4, over a year and a half after the first of his three unsuccessful operation to remove a malignant brain tumor. Those near him in the final months were struck by the singular dignity, courage, and intelligence with which he faced his death. He died as he lived, with integrity, honor, and compassion of a man who loves life enough not to fear death.
Jim was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 9, 1948, the eldest son of James D. Sr. and Barbara Copeland. Following his father and his uncle, Jim entered Princeton in the fall of 1966. He became an English major, a member of the Colonial Club, and an accomplice in several of the more memorable Triangle shows of that era. After graduation, Jim spent a year in Rock Springs, Wyoming reporting for the DAILY ROCKET and MINER, then a second year teaching the finer points of English grammar at the Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT. Moving to New York City in 1973, Jim finally put to use the theatrical talents he had discovered while working at McCarter. He married Stephanie Wehle, a theatrical producer, and, not surprisingly, developed an interest in arts administration. In 1977, after several years working for the Theatre Communication Group, Jim was named the managing director of the St. Louis Opera, a position he held until his second operation.
He is survived by his wife, his son, James D. III, both parents, a sister Anne, a brother, David, and many friends, who will miss his companionship in the years to come. To all of them we extend our deepest sympathy.
The Class of 1970
Robert C. Altman
Jim was one of my very best friends at Mt. Lebanon and we became even closer in the years that followed. We lived in NYC during the same period, worked in the same field, and married sisters! It was great having your best friend as a fellow “in-law”. We had our first children at the same time and I saw him all the time in the ‘70’s right up till his terribly untimely death. Hard to believe that’s more than 35 years ago. RIP good friend.
I’ve copied below his obituary from the Princeton Alumni Weekly
Princeton Alumni Weekly
July 21, 1980
JAMES DUDLEY COPELAND JR
Jim died in St. Louis on April 4, over a year and a half after the first of his three unsuccessful operation to remove a malignant brain tumor. Those near him in the final months were struck by the singular dignity, courage, and intelligence with which he faced his death. He died as he lived, with integrity, honor, and compassion of a man who loves life enough not to fear death.
Jim was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 9, 1948, the eldest son of James D. Sr. and Barbara Copeland. Following his father and his uncle, Jim entered Princeton in the fall of 1966. He became an English major, a member of the Colonial Club, and an accomplice in several of the more memorable Triangle shows of that era. After graduation, Jim spent a year in Rock Springs, Wyoming reporting for the DAILY ROCKET and MINER, then a second year teaching the finer points of English grammar at the Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT. Moving to New York City in 1973, Jim finally put to use the theatrical talents he had discovered while working at McCarter. He married Stephanie Wehle, a theatrical producer, and, not surprisingly, developed an interest in arts administration. In 1977, after several years working for the Theatre Communication Group, Jim was named the managing director of the St. Louis Opera, a position he held until his second operation.
He is survived by his wife, his son, James D. III, both parents, a sister Anne, a brother, David, and many friends, who will miss his companionship in the years to come. To all of them we extend our deepest sympathy.
The Class of 1970
Peter E Berg
Thank you for posting Jim Copeland's obituary. We were friends at Lincoln School and at JeffersonJr High. I think we were fellow Cub Scouts! I recall riding my bike to his house and getting invited to stay for supper several times. I was happy to oblige because his mother was a good cook and the household was so much calmer than mine! I lost touch with Jim and most everyone else when my family moved to NJ during the summer after 8th grade. I'm impressed to read about Jim's accomplishments and wish I had known he was in NYC in the early 70's. In this new age of Facebook, my son and others are able to remain in touch with most of their friends.
Heidi L. Wells
Thank you Bob for this tribute for Jim. We were friends in high school and in early college years and then lost touch. I was sad to hear he had died and wish I could tell his wife and son how lucky I feel to have known him. My parents felt the same about his parents.