Copper, James Clair

James Clair Copper died Thursday, June 3, 2010, following a long courageous battle with cancer. Services: 11 a.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

James was born June 23, 1925, in Osage, the son of Edwin and Catherine (Roth) Copper. He married Ruth Beck in 1946 and they were married for 24 years. He married Loretta (Hoppe) Lawrence on June 24, 1972.

James is survived by his wife, Loretta; his daughter, Janell Reinhart of Marion, stepson, Tad Lawrence of Marion; grandson, Jason Reinhart of Phoenix, Ariz.; granddaughter, Heather (Jason) Walker of Independence, Mo.; grandson, Jayk Lawrence of Marion; granddaughter, Adda Lawrence of Cedar Rapids; great-grandchildren include Layla and Roman Walker of Independence, Mo., and Kurtis Lawrence of Cedar Rapids. James is also survived by two brothers, Jerald (Beverly) Copper of Charles City and Edwin (Donna) Copper of Nashua.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; an infant son, Clair James; and brothers, Robert and Gilbert.

James founded Copper Construction Co. in 1950 and this was his 60th year in business, during which time he was a homebuilder, Realtor and broker of his company, Copper Realty Inc. He developed the majority of single family lots in south Marion, and most recently he was a partner in the development of the Navajo Addition in southwest Cedar Rapids. James was a member of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors of 26 years, National Association of Realtors and Greater Area of Cedar Rapids Home Builders Association.

James had a heartwarming smile and manner for all those he met. He was fondly called “Dad” by many close friends and family members. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a quiet man who personified dignity and grace and will be missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.

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