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1932-2023
SALEM -- J. Thomas Cope (Tom), loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 24, 2023 surrounded by his family.
Born January 28, 1932 to Joseph and Delpha Cope, Tom was the youngest of ten children. Receiving the Jennings Scholarship, he graduated from Salem High School in 1950 and from Mount Union University in 1954.
Tom was a teacher for Salem Schools from 1956-1988 and was Assistant Principal from 1972-1988. He was President of the Teachers Association and co-worked on many school committees including teacher negotiations. Tom also served in the Friends Church as teacher, elder, usher, and was on various committees from 1954 to present.
Tom's passion was his family business, Cope's Nursery, that he owned and operated part-time from 1967-1988. After retiring from teaching, he worked at Stark's Memorial for ten years.
Tom was known for having the highest level of integrity and had an unrivaled work ethic. He had a generous heart and spirit often reflected through visiting shut-ins and doing whatever was needed for others, even at the age of 91.
He was a pillar of strength for his church, community, and family. Tom was funny, athletic, strong, and VERY handsome. He was loved and cherished by so many. Tom was more than just a list. He was a human being that made the world a better place. He is gone from this earth but his legacy will live on through everyone he touched by his witness and through everyone that loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Judy, of 57 years; sisters Wanda, Rachel, Mary Lou and Jane; and brothers Richard, William, Robert, Benjamin, and James.
He was a loving father of five children: Jay Cope of Virginia Beach, VA, Tim (Mary) Cope of Virginia Beach, VA, Rebecca (John) Zerbs of Salem, OH, Amy (Karl) Kisselle of Avon Lake, OH, and Ben (Kelly) Cope of Leetonia, OH. He was a grandfather to eleven children and great-grandfather to eleven.
Private funeral services will be held at Hope Cemetery Chapel with his son, Pastor Ben Cope officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Community Food Pantry, 794 East 3rd St., Salem, OH 44460.
Arrangements were handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
To view Tom's obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com
3/27/23