John "Jack" Allen Copeland Jr., (1946 - 2012) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Can you name the 5 landing beaches at Normandy?

65 years old
Born on August 23, 1946 in Sioux City, Iowa, United States
Passed away on February 20, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio, United States

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John “Jack” Allen Copeland, Jr., 65, of Dublin, passed away February 20, 2012 at Riverside Methodist Hospital after a brief yet courageous fight against cancer.

He was born in Sioux City, IA on August 23, 1946 to parents Lois Anne (Hansen) and John Allen Copeland, Sr., both US Army veterans, Lieutenant and Captain, respectively, who served in Europe during WWII. Jack graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 1964 and Northern Illinois University in 1968.

He had successful business careers in the food processing industry in both the Chicago and Columbus areas, retiring in 1998 as the VP and General Manager of Stephan Machinery Corp. As an engineer-at-heart and true entrepreneur, he formed several companies over the past decade. He was the most proud of his latest business, PorscheMesh. Jack was very creative and insightful with developing new after-market parts for Porsches and loved racing his own Porsche Cayman S in driver events at Mid-Ohio racetrack, although he did most of his racing at stoplights against easy targets.

Since childhood, one of his favorite hobbies was designing and building radio controlled planes, cars and boats, one of which won an international award for its design and speed. He was a talented musician, self-taught 5 string banjo player and enjoyed performing in bluegrass jams throughout Central Ohio. He was an avid golfer, experienced fisherman and an aficionado of WWII history. Known for his charming disposition, Jack was well-loved by many friends and family. For many years, he participated with his daughters in Indian Princesses and was the Cubmaster of his son’s Boy Scout pack.

He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was nicknamed “Bean-pa” by his young granddaughter and since then all of his grandchildren called him “Bean-pa.” There are many grandpas in the world, but there is only one “Bean-pa.” As well as being a founding member of Wedgewood Golf and Country Club, Jack was a member of Northwest United Methodist Church and Mensa International.

He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 26 years, Rhonda (Houston) Copeland; his children Julie (John) Kelly of Orland Park, IL, Kelley (Phil) Lilly of Powell, and Jason Copeland of Lisle, IL; grandchildren Victoria and Josie Kelly, Megan, Elizabeth and Rebecca Lilly, and John “Jack” Copeland; parents, Lois and John Copeland of Ft. Myers, FL (formerly of Hinsdale, IL); brothers Wade (Bonnie) Copeland of Atlanta, GA and Victor (Mary Beth) Copeland of Willowbrook, IL; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 1-3 p.m. at Rutherford Funeral Home, 450 West Olentangy Street in Powell, with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) at www.umcor.org, or to your favorite charity.

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February 20, 2022

Hey John,
It’s been 10 years…
So much has happened. Hmm what would you like to know. I still think about you and oftentimes ask “what would John do in this situation?” I gotta tell ya it hasn’t failed me, yet. :-) Zac is now 14 years old and has made us so proud. I think you’d be interested to know that I’m starting my 10th year auto racing; something we talked about doing during those weekends hot lapping Mid Ohio, together.
Wish you were there with me!
Your friend,
Gary

February 20, 2018

Still missing you big John. We had so many laughs. Am playing golf today and thinking of all the fun we had winning the Old Pal much to Bruce's chagrin. You will never be forgotten.

February 20, 2017

Still thinking of you Big Bubba. Tonight we laughed and talked about the time you came to Zac's 5th birthday party and brought a picture of yourself with your pet dinosaur to prove that you've been around for a loooong time. :)

August 23, 2016

Missing you Big John. Remembering all the humor and laughter. Happy birthday up there.

February 20, 2016

Thinking of you John as we depart on the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer.
Cheers Big Bubba!

February 20, 2016

God Bless from Steve who used to work at the "Weenie Works" as you kiddingly referred McDonald's as being!

February 20, 2016

Still hard to believe you are gone Big John. Still missing you.

August 23, 2015

Hey John,
I attended a car show today, saw a customized Jeep and thought about you. Actually, still think about you often. Makes me smile.
Gary

February 22, 2015

John, I still think about you often and your name comes up often in stories told.
You remain a benchmark in so many ways.
Always your friend,
Gary

February 20, 2015

I cannot believe it has been 3 years. Love you, Dad.

February 20, 2015

Still missing you John. Golf season is not the same without you.

February 21, 2014

There were several times when I recall John regaling us with his banjo playing. John was never shy about using an opportunity to show off his amazing banjo skills. Known as "Banjo Boy" to several of us, I was lucky enough to have a private (or nearly private) concert with John several times. The first time was when my wife Joan and I visited Rhonda and John with our 2 year old son, Bobby. It was summer, and Bobby was wearing these little kid sun glasses. During the visit, John broke out the banjo and started playing. Bobby joined in, wearing his sun glasses and pretending to play an imaginary guitar. They formed a great "Banjo Boy/Blind Mellon Chitilin'" duet. We laughed until we cried. We all miss you greatly John. Hope you're still playing in heaven.

February 20, 2014

Hey Big Bubba,
Yeah it's me, little bubba. :-)
All is good and the Bartons think about you often.
Been racing Porsches past couple years. You'd love it.
Imagine you in my crew and cheering me on.
Miss ya BB,
LB

February 20, 2014

Missing you Big John. I need a laugh.

December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas, Dad! We are wondering what gift you would have purchased "for" Rhonda that maybe, just maybe, she would end up giving to you! We love you!

August 23, 2013

Happy 67th birthday, Dad. I can't believe you've been gone a year and a half. I miss you and think about you every day. About a week ago while I was driving, "Dueling Banjos" came on the XM7 channel. I called Rhonda and we laughed so hard...thinking about "Dueling Kitties," of which I will not go into detail. Happy Birthday, Daddy! I love you!

August 23, 2013

Happy Birthday, Dad! We're raising a glass to you at 7:00 tonight. We love you and miss you.

June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day, Dad. We miss you!

February 20, 2013

We certainly had great times at Belam. I still find myself giggling at your sense of humor, John. Hoping you and John Erickson have hooked up and are playing some golf!!

February 20, 2013

John,

You were larger than life when you were still with us.

Now that you're gone, your legend seems to grow even larger as we all look back and think about how much you achieved in your life, and how many lives you touched.

February 20, 2013

Uncle Jack - We miss you and are thinking about you today. I'm going to have to have a banana split in your honor - just like we shared when I was 10 years old.
Kate, Ray, Maddie and Will

February 20, 2013

HI Dad- I can't believe it has been a year. We miss you very much. We will be drinking a scotch tonight in your honor. Love you! Jason

December 26, 2012

Merry Christmas, Dad! You were definitely in our thoughts and hearts. We love you!

August 23, 2012

Happy Birthday, Dad! I will enjoy a combo form Portillo's tonight with Jack! I love you and miss you.

August 23, 2012

Happy Birthday, Daddy. I think about you every day and miss you very much. Love, Sissy

June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day, Dad. We miss you and love you. I'll be sure to raise a glass of cheap scotch in a dirty glass tonight.

April 8, 2012

John still probably working on new designs for Caymans! What an amazing mind and kind person! You did good, John.

March 24, 2012

What an amazing guy. A gentleman in every sense of the word.

You are the last of a dying breed John. Thanks for everything. I've used your wisdom often and will continue to rely on it. I'll miss you and all of the great times we shared.

March 1, 2012

Many Porsche folks visit the website below. There is a thread about Dad that is very nice and shows how many folks he touched with his business and passion in a short period of time.

http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxster-chat/66983-j_copeland-passed-away.html

February 27, 2012

We had many great times as Naperville neighbors (1981-84)! If we weren't at your house on a Friday night, you'd ask where we were! Remember Peter, Paul and Mary... Leaving on a Jet Plane...over and over again!? We loved your children as if they were our own!
Thanks for enriching our lives. May you rest in peace knowing the happiness you brought so many others. ~~~~ .

February 27, 2012

Our thoughts goes out to the wife & children/grand children of John Jr AND his parents Lois & John Sr. We've learned about the Copeland family activities via Lois & John, both when visiting in Florida in 2000 and through correspondance, mail & internet. Loosing a dear familly member is never easy - loosing a child is the worts, no matter the age. We think of you. Love Inger-Lise & family

February 26, 2012

When Jack was just a few months old in 1946, Katie and I baby sat for him while John and Lois went to a movie, or something. We are probably the only living relatives, other than their parents, who knew Jack when he was an infant. We saw him grow up, mature and become a great father, grandfather and otherwise a successful, interesting and man full of life. Along with you, we will miss him

February 26, 2012

John.... May you RIP and thanks for the good memories of being Naperville, IL, neighbor/friends in the early 1980's and for the "Preppy Handbook" and Preppy apron..... You will be missed!

February 26, 2012

I will never forget the countless evenings we spend in hotels working together for Stephan all over the U.S. Our discussions, drinking sessions and all the fun we had. The hospitallity you and your wife showed me, and the excellent steaks you loved so much to prepare. Fair well John there is always a place in my memories for you.

February 25, 2012

Oh - the memories.Great neighbor, my wonderful handyman, crazy car driver, funny golfer,strong drink maker. Which brings me to one memory. At his dinner parties, he asked "want one for the road". Sure but make it weak. He thought that was code for make it "a stiff one". For years, I hated that "one for the road drink" until we talked. He is up there still laughing, Bye old friend.

February 24, 2012

You never know how much time you have with someone in your life and I must admit the 9 months I was fortunate to have had John in my life have changed me forever. We met at a Porsche show over the summer and we got to spend his last big Porsche ride together to Atlanta Motor Speedway this past November. What an amazingly passionate, creative and fun-loving guy. I will miss you Big Bubba!!!

February 24, 2012

John and his wife Rhonda were like a part of our family here. We respect him for all that he has accomplished in his lifetime. John will always be cherished in our hearts, he made us all laugh and smile. His courage was contagious. Rhonda has been so strong and we would like to reach out our hands and hearts to her in this time of need. God Bless, Ford Family Dental

February 24, 2012

John was my friend and Mentor whom I worked for at Stephan. John would guide me through the high's and low's of the sales game. He'd tell me "it's a Roller-Coaster kiddo! Enjoy the Peck's and and push through the Valley's." The many fun-filled colleague dinner's at my home, always incharge of the bar-b-que. Doing flip-flops in the livingroom fir my daughter. I'll miss you Coach!

February 23, 2012

One of my favorite memories with John is when Rhonda pulled in and my brand new Porsche's front end was splattered all over the driveway to install mesh. I had a paniced look on my face and Rhonda said don't worry. John knows what he is doing. And sure enough, we (hand me the tools) actually got it put back together. Big Bubba, we will miss you!

February 23, 2012

We first met John and Rhonda at the new member Porsche Club dinner in early 2007. They sat us together with the other new members, the Bartons. Kicking the tires about our new cars, John said we need grill mesh to protectect the radiators in the front end of our cars. He took the concept and created a business. A great friend and mentor to our son. Next post, Fun in the driveway

February 23, 2012

I fyou've never had John's smoked barbecue ribs you don't know what you've missed! The first time he ever cooked them for us he then surprised us by whipping out his banjo and playing a few tunes. Whatta guy. John, MiYoung and I will miss you dearly.

February 23, 2012

Dad's creativity and engineering ability led to the start of his own business. Check out his creations!

http://www.porschemesh.com/

Very impressive, Dad.

February 23, 2012

Bette and I have known John for approx 15 years and have been close neighbors and close friends. John has amazed us with his humor, intensity to any and all of his undertakings. His dedication to his neighbors resulted in being the chef at Quarry picnics, arranging for all the Quarry needs thru his dedication as treasurer. Who else could shoot carpenter bees and accidently smash Rhondas Cr

February 23, 2012

I worked for and WITH John at Stephan for several years, and he was a wonderful person to work with. He taught me a lot.

John & I shared our love of golf & cars.

Denny & Diane

February 23, 2012

I always remember cheap scotch and a dirty glass. I have been listening to "hello Darlin----" in my head all week. Can't believe how much I am remembering his voice. John you will be missed

February 22, 2012

I miss you dad. We're planning one hell of a party for you. I know you'll be there with us. Cheap brown liquor and a dirty glass! Love you.

February 22, 2012

I really miss you Beanpa. I will keep working on my banjo skills for you! I love you alot.
-Love Victoria :)

February 22, 2012

Dear Beanpa - we miss you sooooooo much love josie

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Recent Tributes

February 20, 2022

February 20, 2018

Still missing you big John. We had so many laughs. Am playing golf today and thinking of all the fun we had winning the Old Pal much to Bruce's chagrin. You will never be forgotten.

February 20, 2017

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Gallery

Looking for tarpon. Dad & sons last fishing trip 2011.

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Birth of the largest high speed mixer in the world

February 20, 2013

Photo of our first ABM 2000 Mixer, again all due to John's teachings....

Mixer Man photo

February 20, 2013

This Mixer Man license plate photo is all due to John. He was the greatest mentor and teacher that someone could ever have. I sure miss him.

Your "student"
Denny Vincent
Charter member of the "SSP" Stephan Sane People......

John's big footprints

September 19, 2012

As the weather starts to cool here in mid-September, Joan and I started thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Years ago when we used to have an annual Christmas party, Rhonda and John were always the first people we added to the invitation list. They were both always so much fun that the party wouldn't be the same without them. Of course, there were the times when John was "too much fun" at the party and had to be sent to our garage for a "time out". John's banishmnet could be created by any number of offenses: 1. Open, and sometimes heated discussions of politics or religion 2. Eating more than his share of sausage stuffed mushrooms 3. Cornering an unsuspecting guest to explain the finer points of optimizing the weight balance of a pinewood derby car...or a nearly-infinite number of other real or perceived party violations. In the end, it was almost always tied to his wanting to smoke a cigarette or cigar. To accomodate John's garage banishment, I used to outline John's footprints in chalk on the garage floor...very much in a crime scene format. This chalk outline identified John's corner of the garage and became a regular part of our party preparation. Of course it was all a big joke, but this was one of the first tasks we undertook as we prepared for the Christmas shindig. Always a stickler for accuracy, I wanted to be sure the chalk footprints were the right size, and anyone who really knows John, knows just how big those feet were. I used two boxes of chalk over the years we had the Rhonda and John over for the party. If/when we ever have a Christmas party again, you can be sure he will be memorialized...in the garage...on the floor.....in chalk!

We miss you big guy,

Your friends, Bob and Joan Niehaus

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