James Cope Jr.

James H. Cope Jr. passed away on December 3, 2025, at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, December 16, at 3:30 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home. In his honor, the family invites others to spend time with loved ones, share a story, and cherish the moments that make life meaningful—just as James always did.

He loved the outdoors, finding peace in wide-open spaces and the quiet beauty of nature. He had a special gift for training dogs, a pursuit that reflected his patience and gentle spirit. A lifelong reader, James could often be found with a book in hand, always eager to learn and explore new ideas. He was also an avid sports fan—cheering faithfully for the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Pittsburgh Steelers—and he enjoyed watching both basketball and football, sharing the excitement of the games with family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his mother; Sally Wright and his father; James H Cope Sr.

James is survived by his three children; Rebecca Pfalser (husband Jarrod), Taft Cope, and Vaughn Cope and his stepson; Jerod Mattison and his two grandchildren; Cadence and Henryk, Rebecca’s children. While he did not get to spend as much time as he would have liked with his children and grandchildren, he loved them very much and had great memories of times he shared with them.

Those who knew James will remember his easy smile, his steady presence, and his ability to make others feel at home. He had a gift for storytelling—whether recounting family history, sharing a funny memory, or offering a lesson wrapped in humor. His stories were not just words; they were threads that bound his family together, reminders of where they came from and what truly mattered.