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Jimmy Ray “Jim” Copeland, 85, passed away peacefully on Jan. 4, 2024 at his residence in Ellisville. 

He was born on July 29, 1938, in Laurel. Jim worked at Lane Moak Pontiac in Jackson for several years but for most of his life he was a resident of Jones County, where he also worked in the accounting office of Martin Motor Company in Laurel. Jim was also a business owner in Laurel for many years as he and his wife Ruby owned and operated a local shop called The Hobby Hut, where they sold art-and-craft supplies, as well as a variety of hobby-related products for all ages. Jim was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Ellisville. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Ruby Dale Ruffin Copeland; mother Ludie Maria Price Copeland; and father James Junious Copeland. 

Jim is survived by three nieces, Emily Hughes (Roger), Connie Williams (Terry) and Tonya Parish (Scott); three nephews, Terry Herrington (Lynn), Kevin Herrington (Jan) and Kyle Ruffin (Katie); and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. Caregivers were Lillie Gavin, Ann Campbell and Clintora Johnson. 

A funeral service will be at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel on Monday, Jan. 8, with family visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m., public visitation at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Our Home Cemetery in Ellisville. Dr. Greg Spencer and Rev. Robert Fennell will officiate. Pallbearers will be Benji Cooley, Kevin Herrington, Michael Keene, Kelton Keene, Rusty McDonald and Scott Parish.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

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