James N. Coppin

James N. Coppin

December 5, 1943 –January 27, 2013

James Coppin loved to champion the causes of the working classes of men and women of St. Croix. As recently as September of 2012, Coppin was busy representing retired workers before the board of our prestigious Government of the Virgin Islands Employee Retirement Systems (GERS). In 1994, he officially retired from the Government of the Virgin Island, but not his passion for public service. As energetic and enthusiastic as he was, in 2007, he joined the workers of Human Services in their fight against below standard office conditions on the island.

It was not unusual for Coppin to offer his personal help and attention to men, women and children in need. He was a man who is not afraid to confront those in authority. During the 26th and 27th Legislature all 15 senators knew Coppin very well; by name and reputation. He was “Coppin” and his name rang through with honor that was earned through respect, trustworthiness and bravery. He was never timid to hit the radio airwaves.

Coppin was born right here on St. Croix. He was first nurtured at the Queen Louise Home for Children. Later, he became foster son of Clarence and Eunice Heyliger, thereby becoming a dedicated brother to Cyd, Kym and Davvin.

Robert Coppin, his biological father, worked for the Armstrongs in charge of Estate Windsor. Coppin was educated in the public schools in Frederiksted. A passionate advocate and member of the Boy Scouts, he loved championing the causes of children in the St.Croix community. Coppin became very popular as a “three-note” bass player. His instrument had accompanied many kings of the road marches in the St. Croix Festivals and in the St. Thomas Carnivals. He was a member of the Frederiksted Gladiators with Bones, Fawkes, Leroy, Harry, Eastman, Donald and Cephas.

“Cap” as he was affectionately called has three sons and two daughters.

In his final days Coppin remained very active and grateful to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix. Coppin rose through the ranks as storekeeper, supervisor at the Department of Public Works and eventually served with distinction as the Director of Solid Waste.

Coppin confronted the best of them for the just cause of the laboring class. As he often said, “Have a jolly good day!!”

This article was originally written by his adopted father and beloved teacher Clarence Heyliger for the St. Croix Avis Culturally Speaking column in July 2007, and updated by Rodney Kidd; son-in-law.

Memorial Services for James N. Coppin, was held at Southern Memorial Park Funeral, Miami, Florida.

He is survived by his Adopted mother: Eunice Heyliger, Sister: Cyd Heyliger-Browne, Brother: Clarence "Davvin" Heyliger, Former wives: Agneta Thomas and Marjorie D. Larson, Sons: Nathaniel J. Coppin, Jimmy D. Coppin and Alfred F. Coppin (with wife, Lee Jackson), Daughters: Anika R. Coppin-Kidd MSgt USAF (with husband, Rodney Kidd) and Marsha D. Coppin MSgt USAF; Grandchildren: Fatisha C. Washington, Melissa W. Coppin, Natty T. K. Coppin, Sr., Ari M. Kidd and Amir Y. Kidd; Great grandchildren: Amora A. Robinson and Natty T. K. Coppin, Jr. Countless nieces, nephews and close friend, Paula Gookool, and many friends too numerous to mention.