James Clarence "Pete" Cope

“Heaven got a good one”- James Clarence “Pete” Cope gained his wings on April 24, 2024, in Great Falls, Montana with family by his side. He was born on April 4,1935 in Caney Fork Township of Jackson County, North Carolina to Erastus and Beaulah Cope. He celebrated his 89th birthday with his family, eating his favorite cake, German chocolate with coconut pecan frosting, 20 days before his passing.

Pete was a career military man, spending 21 plus years in the Air Force. During this time, he lived in Kansas, France, Illinois, Japan, Okinawa, and Montana. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. He also spent time in Thailand. Dad was a “driver” of many vehicles during his lifetime. In the military, he drove “heavy” equipment and snow removal vehicles. He was a semi-driver going from Canada to California with Randy and Debbie making many of those trips with him. He drove Great Falls city buses where he met his “best” friend Harold “Jug.” He was super proud to have been chosen to drive bus in Salt Lake City, Utah during the 2002 Winter Olympics. He was also a bus driver for the Great Falls Electrics hockey team. We heard many stories about the fights of “his hockey boys.”

He loved this time. He took many trips hunting and fishing with family and friends. He also enjoyed a round of golf or an old western movie. Camping and being out in the woods were his favorite things to do and places to be. He loved watching the wildlife.

Pete is survived by his wife, Sharon, of 63 years; sons, Randahl (Tina) and James; daughters, Deborah (Ja), Patricia and Cheryl; brothers, Darrell and Gale “Bill”; grandchildren, Vince, Ann, Caleb, Cassie, Candi, June, David, Chris, Betty, and Amanda; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Buck, Jimmy, and Dale; sisters, Colleen, Sue, Lib, and Kat; grandson, Anthony; and close friends, Jug and Michael M.

He did not want any services. The family will scatter his ashes and celebrate his life at one of his favorite camping spots at a later date. We love and miss you always Dad.