James Coppola

James Coppola August 26, 1929 – December 26, 2011 Salem, Oregon Jim Coppola passed away, with his wife by his side, on December 26, 2011. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in September of 2011. Jim was born in Queens, NY, the son of Vincent and Helen (Scholpp) Coppola. His youth was spent in Queens. After graduating from high school, Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps. From 1947 to 1950 he proudly served as a Sergeant in communications. After an honorable discharge in 1950, Jim was called back to service later that year as a Staff Sergeant specializing in communication installations. Following a second honorable discharge in December of 1951, he continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve. Jim began his career with New York Telephone Company (NY Tel) in Manhattan in 1952. He worked his way up from splicer’s helper to service foreman. In 1978, Jim transferred to Salem as a force supervisor with Pacific NW Bell. With divestiture of the telephone companies in the early 1980’s, Jim’s supervisory position became part of AT&T Information Systems until his retirement in 1984. In his free time, Jim crafted beautiful wooden masterpieces such as decks and fences. He loved building projects of all kinds, even adding entire rooms to a home. Repairing items instead of replacing them was a challenge that brought Jim much satisfaction. He could truly fix anything. Jim enjoyed solving puzzles of all kinds and was a worthy opponent in backgammon, chess, cribbage, and hold’em poker. Jim was always up for any new adventure and loved travel with the opportunity for lots of photos. Jim married his first wife, Jane A., in 1954 and later divorced. She predeceased him earlier this year. Jim is survived by his second wife, Jane N.; sons, Thomas (Debbie), Loren, and James Coppola; two children by marriage, David (Gemma) Taylor and Terri (Tom) Tucker. Five dearly loved grandchildren were also acquired by marriage: Phillip and Kyle Salstrom; David Bianco; and Alisa and Joanna Rodgers-Taylor. Jim will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, Jim would want contributions made to the American Lung Association, Odyssey Hospice, or any other charity of choice. A special thanks to Dr. Charles Petrunin of Hematology Oncology of Salem and to Odyssey Hospice for the support, compassion, and wonderful care they gave Jim. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, OR.