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James E. Copenhaver, Sr., 84, of 61 Sawdust Lane, Lock Haven, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at his home.
Born April 6, 1940 in Juniata County, he was a son of the late Frank Welsh Copenhaver and Verda Grace (Steffen) Copenhaver Hearn.
On July 12, 1958, he married the former Barbara A. Yost, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage before her passing in 2013.
James worked at Copenhaver Brothers Lumber Co. before being employed at General Armature and then Maremont. His career then took him back into the woods, being employed as a lumberjack for Fox Lumber Co., Horner & Caprio Timber Products, Bingaman & Son Lumber Co. and finally their subsidiary, Pine Creek Lumber.
After retiring, he continued providing firewood as well as landscaping and snow removal for various cabins near his home. He received awards from Arrowhead Hunting Club and Steven's Run Lodge for his dedication to caring for their properties.
James loved all things about the woods -- whether taking walks or feeding the animals, both domestic and wild.
He was a prankster and always up for sharing one of his many good stories.
James enjoyed visiting with neighbors and especially looked forward to his Tuesday and Saturday trips to town for lunch at Wendy's.
Most cherished, though, was the time he spent with family -- especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are his children, Joyce Gilrain, of Massachusetts, James Copenhaver, Jr., of Lock Haven, Bonnie (Tim) Heverly, of Beech Creek, and Brenda (Randall) Dickson, of Clintondale; sisters, Patty (Don) Duncan, of Florida, and Jean Flanigan, of Avis; grandchildren, Laurel (Dale) Shughart, Holly (Bradley) Lupton, Roxanne (Dustin) Miller, Hannah Gilrain (Jaden Oliver), Hailey Mae (Mason Torongeau) and Lexi Dickson (Shaun England); nine great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Sawyer.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Frank, Jr., Robert, Kenneth, Dale, Glen and Allan Copenhaver and Janet Shade; a son-in-law, Gerald Gilrain; and his significant other, Pastybelle Morgret.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at 2 p.m., at Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, Pa., with Pastor Paula Smith officiating.
Friends and family will be received at the funeral home on Sunday from 12 noon until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions in James' name may be made to the American Heart Association through the funeral home.
Online condolences may be given by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com