Date Of Birth: November 5, 1932
Date Of Death: March 30, 2005
If immortality is true, then Jack Copeland certainly will live on through the influence he has had with the ones still living. At the age of 16, he survived three months of forced march and three and one-half years as a P.O.W. during the Korean War. He then went on to have a brief stint dancing at Butler University, which led him in a big yellow convertible to Metro Goldwin Mayer, where he swam his way through Technicolor Esther Williams movie musicals. Returning to Indianapolis, he continued dance study at Butler, which then propelled him to Germany, England and Spain. He then brought his prodigious knowledge back to Indiana and for over 30 years he turned out many a professional dancer.Mr. Copeland died March 30, 2005 at the age of 72. He is survived by innumberable dear friends: Margo, Billy, Nataly, Jonathan, Joe, Mell, Peggy, Carl, Theresa, David B., Dale, Rory…celebrities all.JACK WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO ATTEND THE BURIAL IN ALL BLACK COSTUME ACCOMPANIED BY A BLACK UMBRELLA PROP.Contributions may by made to the Jack Copeland Memorial Boys Dance Scholarship Fund, 5144 Boulevard Place, Indianapolis, IN 46208Jack would leave us with these words, "The best thing you can give anyone is TIME."
Mr and Mrs James A Glines says
Jack, You have always been a part of our family for many years of joy and happiness. Our daughter Denise was put on a great dancing career thanks to your professional efforts and encouragement. While you will be missed you will forever be in our hearts.
Denise GlinesTate says
Someone please read some Edna St Vincent Millay at Jacks funeral. Jack taught me everything important in life, everything that makes me the person I am today.
My heart is broken…
Alvera Buker says
Jack – you were one-of-a kind! Beth and I will always remember your great spirit and all the fun we had with you and Dale – and all the performances of the kids. You were an expert at building “self-esteem”! Knowing you, I’m sure you will soon have all the angels dancing in their tutus and point shoes. Thanks for all the happiness you brought to everyone who knew you!
Alvera Buker (Beth’s mom)
Mallory King says
It has been an honor, Jack, to be in your favor and good thoughts. You had faith in my abilities when i couldn’t see them for myself. You are truly an inspiration to my passion of dance. May your memory live in me and others that you may be immortal.
hannah hendricks says
jack had an amazing spirit about him. everything he’s said to me in the past several years stay close to my heart, he provided me with encouragement when i most needed it. his amazing stories will always be remembered. Jack will never ever be forgotten, in generations to come, his legacy will live on.
Jaclyn Virgin says
Jack, you introduced me to my passion. I was 18 months old.
Thank you for such a gift.
Celebrate in the Heavens.
marcey Wisman says
I was so sad to hear of Jack’s passing. I will never forgot the twinkle in his eye as he held my son, Maxwell, for the very first time. Nor will I forget his beautiful beaming smile. I can only imagine that Jack is now dancing more lovely and freely as ever.
Janet says
Jack was my neighbor for the past 10 years. God bless you.
Ross Laura Byram says
Jack, though your passing brings us much sadness, we are glad to have known you. We remember your wonderful stories you told in ballet class — from whom each barre combination was derived. You lived life to the very fullest and left an indelible impression on all who met you. What a wonderful spirit you had in life. Heaven is lucky to have your spirit now. Our hearts ache and we will miss you deeply. We wish you could have lived forever.
Rebecca Rutt says
The dance community has lost a creative spirit. With deepest sympathy to all.
Rebecca Rutt
Heidi C Eads says
Condolences to everyone for our loss upon Jack’s passing, and espescially to those closest to him.
Love to Jack and to all of you,
Heid C. Eads
Jan Virgin says
I have great memories of Jack, all connected to ’dance’. If the greatest gift you can give others is to give them your ’time, the next greatest gift is sharing your passion for something and passing it on (pay it forward)…that is what Jack did for so many – that is what he did for my youngest daughter and for me. Jack’s love of dance was contagious and I am so glad I caught it. I only hope I am following his example and doing the same for others, sharing the passion. Thank you Jack – for caring, for sharing! Keep on dancing.
Ali Grossman says
Although I was saddened to hear of Jack Copeland’s passing, I’ve realized how much joy he has brought to the dance community.
I believe I started with Jack (“Mr. Copeland”)at the age of 5 and then continued through high school with his Friday evening classes. I remember the bevy of talent and personalities of all ages who would show up for these classes.
Now, years later, I am teaching many of his combinations to my adult classes. He was an inspiration and his creativity, love of dance, and spirit will continue through all who knew him.
Thank you for all the colorful productions, classes, and memories,
Ali Grossman
Teri MorrowSmith says
Dear Jack, I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving to you. You gave me the courage to go on when I didn’t think it was possible. I will never forget the many joyful classes, performances and times in your home where everyone was always welcome. You taught me the joy of movement, the creativity of costuming and so very very much more. I am now able to share those lessons with my own sons. I can encourage my own son who has autism and visual impairment to focus on what is right and everything else will take care of itself. I can teach my oldest son to move forward no matter what the rest of the world may say. I could go on and on…..Thank you Thank you Thank You!!!! I will be looking for the chiffon dyed skirts in heaven one day.. there I will find you encouraging others to do what they never thought possible…to be beautiful the way God made them to be. LOve Terri Morrow-Smith
Margo Lemberger says
I just found out about Jack’s passing almost three months hence.
Yes, Marcey, he’s dancing with Ginger and Esther and all the greats in the Corps d’Heaven.
I remember the tin-foil ceiling of his house, stained copper-coloured with years of nicotine, and the gigantic columns from the set of some Golden Age Hollywood musical.
I remember making mashed potatoes from scratch at 3:30 in the morning.
I remember drinking Black Bitches and being regaled with his life’s worth of anecdotes that had me laughing until my stomach hurt.
Jack’s way of showing affection was to apply it to his art form.
“Margo is a beautiful dancer.”
I wasn’t, especially when compared to himself and the others in the classes and shows we worked on, but it was his highest compliment and I love to replay it in my mind’s ear and see the love on his face as he said it in my mind’s eye.
Jack was witty, generous, kind, loyal and guileless, and I will miss him every day.
Hopefully we’ll dance together again someday, my friend…