John Allen "Jack" Copeland Jr.

John "Jack" Allen Copeland, Jr., 65, of Dublin, passed away February 20, 2012 at Riverside Methodist Hospital after a brief yet courageous fight against cancer. He was born in Sioux City, IA on August 23, 1946 to parents Lois Anne (Hansen) and John Allen Copeland, Sr., both US Army veterans, Lieutenant and Captain, respectively, who served in Europe during WWII. Jack graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 1964 and Northern Illinois University in 1968. He had successful business careers in the food processing industry in both the Chicago and Columbus areas, retiring in 1998 as the VP and General Manager of Stephan Machinery Corp. As an engineer-at-heart and true entrepreneur, he formed several companies over the past decade. He was the most proud of his latest business, PorscheMesh. Jack was very creative and insightful with developing new after-market parts for Porsches and loved racing his own Porsche Cayman S in driver events at Mid-Ohio racetrack, although he did most of his racing at stoplights against easy targets. Since childhood, one of his favorite hobbies was designing and building radio controlled planes, cars and boats, one of which won an international award for its design and speed. He was a talented musician, self-taught 5 string banjo player and enjoyed performing in bluegrass jams throughout Central Ohio. He was an avid golfer, experienced fisherman and an aficionado of WWII history. Known for his charming disposition, Jack was well-loved by many friends and family. For many years, he participated with his daughters in Indian Princesses and was the Cubmaster of his son's Boy Scout pack. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was nicknamed "Bean-pa" by his young granddaughter and since then all of his grandchildren called him "Bean-pa." There are many grandpas in the world, but there is only one "Bean-pa." As well as being a founding member of Wedgewood Golf and Country Club, Jack was a member of Northwest United Methodist Church and Mensa International. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 26 years, Rhonda (Houston) Copeland; his children Julie (John) Kelly of Orland Park, IL, Kelley (Phil) Lilly of Powell, and Jason Copeland of Lisle, IL; grandchildren Victoria and Josie Kelly, Megan, Elizabeth and Rebecca Lilly, and John "Jack" Copeland; parents, Lois and John Copeland of Ft. Myers, FL (formerly of Hinsdale, IL); brothers Wade (Bonnie) Copeland of Atlanta, GA and Victor (Mary Beth) Copeland of Willowbrook, IL; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 1-3 p.m. at RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy Street (Powell Rd./St. Rt. 750/1/4 mile east of Sawmill Pkwy) Powell, Ohio with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) at www.umcor.org, or to your favorite charity. Condolences to www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.