James “Jim” Allen Copanas, of Farmington, entered eternal rest on July 6, 2024, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 84. He was born on February 14, 1940, to Frank and Nancy (Childress) Copanas and was raised in St. Louis, Missouri.
James is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sherice “Sheri” Copanas; his children, Brian Copanas and Scott (Leah) Copanas; his grandchildren, Morgan, Abagail, Anna, Mathew, and Nicholas; and his siblings, Bill (Betty) Copanas, Tom (Sonie) Copanas, and Nancy (Bob) Aubuchon.
James was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Robert Copanas.
James graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with his bachelor’s degree in education and was in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. James dedicated his life to public education and was an Industrial Arts teacher at Granite City Coolidge Junior High School for 30+ years and retired in 1995, leaving a lasting impact on the school and its community. He was a jack-of-all-trades and a master at pottery and woodworking. He loved his solitude, early mornings, and anytime he could get on his bike or the river to fish. He was a deeply giving and loving man and always went out of his way to help friends, family, and neighbors. He is sadly missed, and this world is a greater place for having him.
He enjoyed fishing, bicycling, listening to music and of course his extreme sweets and salts.
A memorial will be held at the Focal Point, https://thefocalpoint.org/ in St. Louis on Saturday, September 1, 2024, from 12 until 4 p.m. Come join us for food and remembrance of a life well lived. Share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com.
