James W. Copeland, Sr. age 87 years of Darlington, Maryland died on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at the Harford Memorial Hospital, Havre de Grace, Maryland. He was the husband of Shirley C. (Davis) Copeland. Together they shared 66 years of marriage.

Mr. Copeland was born on May 25, 1922 in Bland, Virginia, a son of the late Thomas and Rose (Poole) Copeland.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and following the war was employed for 39 years at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Mr. Copeland was a longtime member of the Dublin United Methodist Church.

His other memberships include the Dublin - Darlington V.F.W. Post #10146.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by 3 children:

Joan Copeland of Port Deposit, Maryland

Debra Phillips and her husband Blair of Darlington, Maryland

James W. Copeland Jr and his wife Mary Beth of Darlington, Maryland

He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Rudisill.

He was also preceded in death by his sister Iryl Grafton and his brother Donald Copeland.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, Pennsylvania.

Pastor James Johnson of the Dublin United Methodist Church will officiate.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, December 20.

Burial, with military honors, will be in Darlington Cemetery.