Dateline: Godfrey, IL
James K. Cope, 84, passed peacefully at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born December 11, 1934 in Alton, IL the son of the late Albert John and Adah Lenore (Wilson) Cope. He was an active member of Godfrey First United Methodist Church where he was a member of the choir for many years. He was a volunteer at Alton Memorial Hospital for over 20 years. He was a white cross auxiliary board member and past president and a board member at The Nature Institute. He served in the US Marine Corps. He retired from the Olin Corporation where he was a tool and die maker. On December 26, 1959 in Olney, IL he married Mary Catherine Pampe and she preceded him in death on March 9, 2017. On October 2, 2018 he married Shirley Wegener and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters and one son, Jan A. Rogalski (Gil) of Godfrey, Elise M. Harmon (Jim) of Bethalto and Lieutenant Colonel David M. Cope (Rebecca) USAF retired of Spring Valley, Ohio, six grandchildren; Sarah Harmon, Natalie Steinberg (Andrew), Jake Rogalski, Rachel Rogalski, Adam Harmon and Caroline Cope and one great grandchild, Jackson Steinberg. Besides his first wife he is preceded in death by three brothers and one sister, Robert Cope, Irvin Cope, Lee Cope and Clarice Cannedy. Graveside services will be private with full military honors provided by Alton VFW Post 1308. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until time of memorial service at 4:00 p.m. at Godfrey First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, September 24, 2019. Reverend Jay Hanscom will officiate. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Godfrey First United Methodist Church. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com