James E. Copeland, 85, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 21, 2016, at his home in Fort Pierce after a brief illness.
He is survived by his son James E. Copeland III (Suzi), and his daughter, Susan Lawton Hodges (Allen); four grandchildren, James E. Copeland IV, Paul T. Copeland, Shelby J. Hodges and Grace L. Hodges.
Copeland was a retired Ophthalmologist.
Born in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1930 Dr. Copeland graduated from Bordentown Military Institute in 1948, Gettysburg College in 1961 and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1965. He interned at Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Penn. His residency was done at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.
Dr. Copeland began his practice of Ophthalmology in Vero Beach in 1969. He was board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He served as President of the Indian River County Medical Society for two years, 1976 and 1977. Dr. Copeland was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was a member of the Florida Medical Association, American Medical Association, Wills Eye Hospital Association, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Penn., and the Board of Trustees of the Indian River Memorial Hospital District.
He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served during the Korean War. He had been a past commandant of the Indian River Detachment of the Marine Corps League, the American Legion Post 39, Vero Beach and the Navy League US Treasure Coast Chapter.
He belonged to George Washington Masonic Lodge # 59 F&AM of Philadelphia, the Vero Beach Masonic Lodge #250 F&AM and the Sebastian River Shrine Club. He was also member of the Florida Irish American Society.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016 at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A memorial service will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016 at the Strunk Funeral Home with Masonic Services conducted by the Vero Beach Masonic Lodge 250 F &AM and military honors conducted by the American Legion Post 39, Vero Beach.
An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.