James Copley

James Copley, 84, of Hamden, passed away on October 26, 2026 at the Hospital of St. Raphael, with his wife, Patrica Strampach Copley, by his side. Born in Mineola, Long Island on July 6, 1942 to the late Michael and Anne Gulaloff Coplay.

Raised in Franklin Square, Long Island, Jim enlisted in the Navy out of high school. He trained as an engineer under the guidance of Admir Rickenbocker. Jim went on to become a nuclear engineer, serving on the USS Arcturus, the USS America, and the USS Forestal. He was stationed in Spain before joining the USS Enterprise for their world tour. After retiring from the Navy, he spent the next 20 years working for AT&T. He also volunteered his time doing odd jobs at Highland Heights and divided his time working with CASA and Children in Placement. His last job was with Mt. Carmel Wine and Spirits. He met Pat when MaBell was forced to split. They traveled the world and shared a love for trying different foods and meeting interesting people. Jim and Pat renewed their vows when on a cruise that crossed the Arctic Circle.

Besides his wife Pat, Jim will be missed by his family, many friends, and his furry friend, Brooke.

Family and friends are invited to Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Friday, October 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Memorial Service will continue in the funeral home at 11:00 a.m., followed by a burial in Centerville Cemetery. Contributions in Jim’s memory may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. To send a condolence to the family, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.