Grandpa Cope will be missed...

James Austin Cope, Jr.
Spanish Fork
1918 - 2009
James Austin Cope, Jr., 90, Spanish Fork, Utah, completed his mortal ministry on March 21, 2009. He was born September 10, 1918, in Tropic, Utah, to James Austin and Irma Shumway Cope.

He moved to Provo his senior year of high school, where he graduated from BY High.

He attended BYU for a year, where he met his future sweetheart, before he served in the Western States Mission. He served faithfully, spending most of his time in Colorado.

He married Florence Annetta Fairbanks in the Salt Lake Temple on October 22, 1941. Jim served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. After the war, Jim and Florence settled in Spanish Fork. In 1946, he was elected as Utah County Assessor and served for seven years, before becoming Postmaster in Spanish Fork. He retired as Postmaster in 1980.

He was a masterful organizer, and his help was often sought to get projects started or completed when they had stalled. Active in the community, he was a member of Kiwanis, the Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion. He worked tirelessly to raise funds for the American Family Monument in Provo and for the Father Escalante Monument in Spanish Fork. He and Florence served for years on the BYU Parent’s Committee and on the Alumni Committee.

An active member of The Church of Latter Day Saints all his life, he served as the first Bishop of the Spanish Fork Seventh Ward, President of the Spanish Fork Palmyra Stake, Patriarch, ordinance worker and Sealer in the Provo Temple. He and Florence served in the Lansing Michigan Mission, 1986-1987; and the San Antonio Mission, 1990-1991.

Jim was always a hard worker, known for his integrity. He loved people and offered a helping hand to anyone in need. His tender care of his mother for 38 years, after the death of his father, was exemplary. He applied the principles the Savior taught in everything he did.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Bernard and Lloyd; daughter, Janet; son-in-law, A. David Merrill; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Florence; and 12 children: Ann Etta C. Merrill; James Austin III (Sharon), Nellie (Michael) Golden, Maurine (Ronald) Hatfield, Bernard (Norma), NaDene (Gary) Simmons, Patricia (Ronald) Sanders, Jonathan (Nadene), Valdean (Marilyn), Victor (Elizabeth), Richard (Sheila), and Todd (Denise); brothers: Evan (Jean), Ray (Renee); sisters: Clyda C. Smith, Donna (Clark) Nelson, Margaret C. Daley, and Beth (Tom) Peterson; sister-in-law: Kay Wallentine Cope; 78 grandchildren and spouses, 185 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was a friend to all he met. We will miss his warm smile, friendly wave, and ready sense of humor. Our lives are better because of all he taught us.

Services will be under the direction of Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork, Utah. There will be a viewing for the public at the mortuary, Tuesday, March 24, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Palmyra Stake Center, 505 East 900 North, Spanish Fork, Utah, where there will also be a viewing from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.