James Harrison Copeland III, son of James H. Copeland Jr. and Betty N. Mathis, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. He was born on December 1, 1938, in Knoxville, Tennessee. James (also known as Jim) spent his youth in East Tennessee before becoming a longtime resident of Central Florida. He spent many of his later years in Hamilton, Alabama.
James served in the United States Air Force before attending the University of Tennessee as a co-op student at Martin Marietta in Orlando, FL where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation he worked for Martin Marietta, General Dynamics, and Educational Computer Corporation in Orlando and Modular Metals Manufacturing Inc. in Hamilton.
He is survived by his daughters, Sherri Bartlett (Charles) and Sandi Copeland (Jason); grandchildren, Emily, Matthew, and Aimee; and siblings, Norma Odum (Richard), Nash Copeland (Donna), and Joe Copeland.
James had a special knack for being a great listener. He generously helped many people and he strived to make the world a better place.
James will be deeply missed by many dear friends and family.
A celebration of life will be held in the near future.
