James Norman "Jim" Copple, 44, 3103 Lime Ave., died at 10 p.m. at his home.

He was born Oct. 8, 1940, in Centralia, the son of Raymond I. and Nellie (Williams) Copple.

On Nov. 30, 1973, in Mt. Vernon, he married Debra Jo "Debbie" Hutchison, who survives.

Mr. Copple graduated from Centralia High School in 1958 and also graduated from McKendree College in Lebanon. He then became a teacher and taught science and physical education and coached basketball and track at Campground Grade School, Rome Grade School, Old Union School and Woodlawn Grade School, all in the Mt. Vernon area.

In 1972 he went to work for the Illinois Secretary of State's office and later was associated with the Equitable Life Insurance Co.

He returned to teaching in 1975 and was a teacher and coach at the Woodlawn Grade School until becoming an employee of the Vern-Wood Press as a lithographer. He held that position until his health failed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Julie Beth Copple at home; one son, James Andrew Copple at home; his parents Raymond and Nellie Copple of Walnut Hill; two brothers, Allen Copple of Mt. Vernon and Rodney Copple of San Manuel, California; one grandmother Elsie Williams of Irvington; this mother and father-in-law Harold and Thelma Hutchison of Mt. Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Central Church of Christ with J. Howard Kraps officiating. Burial will follow in the Little Grove Cemetery near Walnut Hill.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. Sunday and until 11 a.m. Monday at the Hughey Funeral Home and from noon until the funeral hour at the church. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Hospice of Good Samaritan Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Mr. Copple was a member of Little Grove Christian Church.

Submitted by: Ida Reeves