James Clifford Copella, 75, of Chase, Michigan, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025 with family by his side at the Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center at Corewell Health-Grand Rapids Hospitals.
The son of James & Carol (Copello) Copella, he was born on June 1,1949 in Kersey, Pennsylvania. On March 27, 1993, he married Delcine Welton-Young. They were blessed with 32 years of marriage.
A 1967 graduate of St. Marys High School, Jim had been employed by Ridgway Color for several years before transferring with the company to Holland, Michigan in 1997. While he enjoyed Lake Michigan, Jim was an avid sportsman enjoying the game lands of Alleghany National Forest and the area lakes during his semi-annual trips back to his "home" of Elk County. His grandchildren have fond memories of their fishing excursions.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Thomas Copella; and two brothers-in-law, James Reilly and Craig Wriglesworth.
Surviving are his wife, Delcine Copella; his daughter, Beverly (Troy) Emmert of Turbotville, Pennsylvania; two sons, James Copella (Kristen Feronti) and Sean Copella, all of Wilcox, Pennsylvania; step- children, Shane Young of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Joshua Young, and Seth (Cassandra) Young, all of Holland, Michigan; thirteen grandchildren, Ryan, Jared, Brandon, Isaac, Kenzie, Kelsey, Michael, Nevaeh, Cameron, Izzy, Jaxon, Zianna and Elara.
Also surviving are two sisters; Pamela Wriglesworth of Orlando, Florida, and Cynthia (David) Parsons of Ridgway, Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At Jim's request, there will be no services.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jim’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo of Jim, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.