James Metcalf "Jimmy" Copeland, Sr., 81, of Carthage, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at his home in the Del Ray Community near Carthage. He was born on Feb. 21, 1943, in Carthage to the late Angus Charlie and Altha Metcalf Copeland. Jimmy graduated from Carthage High School with the Class of 1961. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. Jimmy enlisted in the U.S Army where he served during Vietnam, earning the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he served for many years in the Army Reserves and was a member of the local V.F.W. and American Legion Posts. He married Margaret Ann Boles in Reno, Nevada on December 19, 1970 and she preceded him in death on December 16, 2020. James was a member of the Carthage Masonic Lodge #521, and the Sharon Temple Shrine. He was owner and operator of J.M. Copeland Construction, an oil field and pipeline construction business, and was a member of the Pipeliner's Union. Jimmy lived his lifetime in the Del Ray Community of Panola County where he was a member of Ebenezer Methodist Church. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Iva Mae Davis and her husband Bob.

Survivors include his children, Katie Copeland and James M. Copeland Jr. and wife Marinda; grandchildren, Taylor Cheek, Kody Copeland, Kielynn Hartley, Kyler Hartley, Jase Michael Riley, Alivia Nickole Copeland, Lyla Jobe, Anabell Jones, and Audrianna Jones; and great-grandchildren, Magnolia Cheek and Cypress Layne.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Ebenezer Methodist Church with Terry Holland officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. Interment with Masonic Rites and Military Honors will follow at Walton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Kody Copeland, Morgan Rabon, Peyton Adams, Bradley Cheek, Trevor Wedgeworth, and Danny Pierce. Honorary pallbearers are Adam Cuff, Chad Kelley, and Felipe Contreras.

A guestbook may be signed at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.