James Cecil Copeland

Copeland, James C., 90, passed away on March 21, 2025. Jim was born in Tampa, Florida on August 23, 1934, to Lloyd and Lois Copeland. He is predeceased by his four older siblings. Jim is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughters Gay Carr (David), Cindy Guy (Gary), and Robin McCarthy (Joe); seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Rob Webb (Sheri) and Billy Webb; beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Jim performed his first solo at age 16. By age 19, he performed dual roles in Tampa’s first opera, “La Boheme,” beside stars of the Metropolitan Opera. After graduating from Florida Christian College, Jim continued his music education at David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tennessee. During that time, he also sang on WSM radio with the Owen Bradley Orchestra and at the Grand Ole Opry. He was encouraged to enter the Discovery of the Year Contest, which he won. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree, Jim was expected to pursue job offers in New York City. Instead, he felt compelled to return to Tampa, where he became the Vocal Music Director at Chamberlain High School in February 1958. During his tenure, the Chamberlain choral program earned Superior ratings at the Florida State Choral Festival for twenty-two consecutive years. The students were enriched by diverse opportunities, including performing with composer Randall Thompson, singing at the inauguration of Florida Governor Bob Graham, performing with Barry Manilow, performing at the White House at the invitation of President Jimmy Carter, and performing at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The program was honored by the Florida Department of Education. Jim extended music to the broader community by starting a summer Creative Arts Program for Hillsborough County students. While teaching and raising a family, he became the first person to earn a master’s degree in choral conducting at the University of South Florida, where he also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership.

In 1982, Jim was appointed by the Hillsborough County School Board to the position of Supervisor of Secondary Music Education. He established band, chorus, and orchestra programs in every secondary school. He collaborated with architects to design music suites and auditoriums for every new school, beginning with Gaither High School, and ending with the Magnet Program for the Arts at Blake High School. Jim enjoyed the unique responsibility of working with two Super Bowls in Tampa to provide hundreds of Hillsborough County students for the half-time shows. An advocate for music education, Jim served on the board of the Florida Vocal Association, the Education Committee of the Florida Orchestra, the Florida Council for the Arts, the Arts Council of Tampa/Hillsborough County, and the founding Board of the Hillsborough County Youth Orchestra. He conducted All-State and All-County Choruses, adjudicated the Florida State Choral Festivals, and adjudicated every district in the state of Florida. Jim was inducted into the Chamberlain High School Hall of Fame, the Hillsborough County Music Education Hall of Fame, and the Florida Vocal Association Hall of Fame. On October 28, 2022, the Chamberlain High School alumni honored Jim’s legacy by naming the Copeland Choral Suite in recognition of his years of excellence and inspiration. Throughout his career, Jim continued to sing professionally. He also served as the Music Director of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church for 30 years.

In addition to his music, Jim was a champion pitcher and MVP of the City of Tampa Fast Pitch League. He played golf until recent years, enjoyed all sports and was an avid Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Rays fan.

Jim will be remembered for his teaching, his leadership, his deep love for family, friends, and the community, his remarkable voice, and for his love for the Lord, who inspired every note he sang.

A celebration of life service honoring Jim will be held on April 26, 2025, at 2 pm at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in Tampa, Florida. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Jim Copeland Scholarship Fund in care of the Hillsborough Education Foundation or the Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in memory of Jim Copeland.