Obituaries
James Paul Kopf, 86
October 14, 2023
James Paul Kopf, age 86, of Lancaster, PA, passed away at his home on Saturday, October 14, 2023. He was born in Lancaster, PA, to the late Mary (Flick) and George W. Kopf, and a native of the city’s Cabbage Hill neighborhood. James shared 59 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Linda (Lorenzon).
He was a proud Hillian and loyal to his family and Catholic faith.
A veteran, James served in the US Army during the Occupation of Korea from 1955 to 1957. He was a proud 1954 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Millersville University, followed by a Master’s degree from Temple University.
James was an educator at heart, devoting more than 36 years of his life to teaching Social Studies and Biology in the Cocalico, Wayne, NJ, and Solanco school districts, prior to his retirement in 1997. His passion for teaching left an indelible mark on his students.
His love for life extended well beyond the classroom. In his spare time, James took immense pleasure in gardening, working on his yard to make it tour-worthy; traveling, reading, and volunteering. These activities enriched not only his own life but also the lives of those he touched. James’s love for travel took him to distant shores, exploring the beauty of Italy and the rich culture of Ireland, along with frequent family getaways to Ocean City, N.J., and Wardensville, W.Va. These experiences broadened his horizons and left us all with cherished memories. He found particular joy in spending time with his beloved family and was immensely proud of each of them.
James is survived by his loving wife, Linda, and their daughters: Jennifer Kopf of Lancaster, Amy Finnegan of Lancaster, and Emily Cassidy of Delaware. He also leaves behind his sons-in-law: Ad Crable, David Finnegan, and Rob Cassidy. His memory will forever shine through his grandchildren: Hannah and Lena Crable and Gavin and Robert Cassidy, with whom he loved sharing McWednesdays and Ocean City. Additionally, James is survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his brothers, George and Robert Kopf, but their memory continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew them.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church to celebrate James’s life. Inurnment will be a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Milagro House (www.milagrohouse.org) or Hospice and Community Care (685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601).
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
November 04, 2023
I am thanking each of you who has written such personal and comforting words about Jim with your memories of him. Whether he was a good friend, a teacher, colleague or neighbor your comments paint a picture of a good man; one his family and I adored for all his life. I am so thankful for my 59 years with him. Thank you. Linda
October 24, 2023
Linda sorry to read of Jim’s passing Pete always like him at school. he and Pete can now talk about school. Sorry I lost contact with you and Jim. Mary Ella Herr
October 23, 2023
Mr. Kopf was my favorite high school teacher. He was interested in you as a person. If he found out you were interested in a career path, when he passed you in the hall he would say “check Newsweek article this week , it might be helpful.” My condolences on your loss. Lee Fichtner
Solanco class of 1971
October 23, 2023
One of my favorite teachers. Remember having 3 classes with him . Loved talking history. He had a very positive impact on my high school years. A great teacher but even better man. It had to be a blessing for the family to have him in your lives for 86 years. My condolences to all. Dave Thomas
October 23, 2023
Linda,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of a good man, teacher, and friend. Jim was always a pleasure with which to talk, always remained calm in a crisis, and could be counted on to do what he said. I enjoyed teaching with both of you. God’s blessing and peace be with you and your family.
June L Shultz
October 23, 2023
Condolences to all who loved and were loved by Mr. Kopf but to Jen, Ad, Lena, and Hannah especially from all of the Van Armans.
SSGC
October 23, 2023
My sincere sympathies to Linda and the entire extended Kopf clan. I did know Jim somewhat as a fellow teacher at Solanco, I grew to know him better when er I would service or repair his outdoor power equipment. I could always count on being asked to stay and chat a while over a cold beverage and availed myself if the opportunity whenever my schedule permitted. Jim had a great sense of humor and he and I enjoyed swapping stories of certain Solanco administrators whenever we had time to chat out in his back porch. He will be missed.
Carey Kalupson
October 23, 2023
Mr. Kopf was hands-down one of my favorite teachers at SLC. His dry sense of humor made the class interesting and engaging! Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Nancy Zimmerman Class of ’71
October 22, 2023
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr Kopf. Mr Kopf was a wonderful and thoughtful teacher. He and his daughter were so kind and helpful in encouraging me to go to Dickinson Colllege. He had an incredibly positive impact on the trajectory of my life and is remembered fondly. Rest in peace, Mr Kopf
Tonia Bleecher
October 22, 2023
My sincere condolences to the extended Kopf family. I’m sure he touched the lives of so many through his teaching years. The memories I have of his classes are all positive.
During his time as my teacher, Mr. Kopf not only imparted knowledge but also instilled a passion for learning and understanding the world around you. His legacy will continue through the students he inspired, and his contributions to education will not be forgotten. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Wayne Fenstermacher, Solanco Class of ’84
October 22, 2023
Condolences. He was my social studies teacher my senior year at Solanco. Very nice man.
Ernest Eric Guyll
October 22, 2023
My deepest sympathy to all. He was an incredible teacher & man. So sorry.
Barb Hart Shiffler
October 22, 2023
Condolences to Mr. Kopf’s family and friends. I remember him fondly, as kind and humble. Thank you Mr. Kopf for your service to our great nation.
Scott Bledsoe – Solanco Class of 86′
October 22, 2023
My condolences to your family! I worked with Jim at the Solanco High School briefly but he made me feel welcome… then I moved to the elementary and grew to love Linda and her family stories! Jim was a great guy who left his encouraging mark on many! Hugs to all!
Sue Myers
October 21, 2023
My sorrow to you and your family. I did not know your husband but knowing your mother I knew you and your sisters. I knew the kind of person he was. I will keep him in my prayers. Nancy Bella
October 19, 2023
A treasured teacher, an epic father and husband and a dear friend. So happy I got to know him. I hope Linda, the girls and their families will find peace and comfort in knowing he is with God. 🙏 Liza Stover
October 19, 2023
We moved into Jim’s neighborhood two years ago. My toddler daughter took an immediate shine to him, and would chat with him whenever we ran into him during his walks. He was so kind to her, and took the time to ask her questions, and to really listen to her. When I told her “Jim died”, she said, “oh no! He was such a good man.”
Yes, he was. Susan
October 19, 2023
Heartfelt sympathies at this very sad time to Aunt Linda, Jennifer, Amy, Emily & family. Uncles James was a kind and loving man — he definitely helped to make the world a better place. God’s Blessings & All Peace and Love, Carol
