James Copeland

James Archie Copeland, a visionary cattleman and one of the early pioneers of commercial cattle feeding in Texas, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, in Anton, Texas. He was 89.

Born on March 12, 1936, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Archie Ray Copeland and Dorothy Blanche (Bell) Copeland, Jim grew up in Amarillo and Lubbock, graduating from Lubbock High School. He earned his degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University in 1958 and was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. That same year, alongside his father, he began building a commercial feedlot in Anton and started farming in Hockley County, Texas—laying the dual foundation of feeding and farming that would define his life’s work. His foresight, grit, and relentless work ethic helped shape an entire sector of Texas agriculture.

On February 7, 1964, in Lubbock, Texas, Jim married his love of 61 years, Jimmy Kay Norman. Together they built not just a business, but a legacy rooted in faith, family, and the land they loved. A devoted family man, Jim spent countless weekends with his children and grandchildren at the family cabin on White River Lake, creating memories that will live on for generations.

Jim lived a life of quiet service to his community and industry. A charter member of the National Cattlemen’s Association and a lifelong member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the North American Limousin Foundation, he served on the Anton ISD school board for 12 years, spent over three decades on the Hockley County Junior Livestock Show board, and dedicated many years to the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District—first as a county committee member and later as a director for 15 years. In 2004, Texas Senator Robert Duncan appointed him to the West Texas Agricultural Water Planning Group. He was named an Honorary Chapter Farmer by the Anton FFA on multiple occasions. In 1990, he was honored as Conservation Farmer of the Year in Hockley County. In his acceptance speech, he humbly said, “I may not have been the best farmer, but I always tried to take care of the land and the water.” A faithful member of First Baptist Church in Anton, he embodied Christian generosity—donating his famous smoked briskets every year for the Anton High School band’s homecoming fundraiser, even long after his own children had graduated.

Jim carried forward a rich musical heritage. He loved western swing and cherished playing his grandfather’s fiddle—passed down from Arthur Forest Copeland, who grew up in Turkey, Texas, and played alongside the legendary Bob Wills in their youth. An avid sailor, Jim spent many days navigating 50-foot sailboats through the Caribbean with family and friends. He even adopted “cowboysailer” as his email name, proudly blending his ranching roots with his love for the open water.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Jimmy Kay Copeland of Anton, Texas; son Kurt Copeland and wife Shannon of Levelland, Texas, and their children Cade and Kalan, both of Levelland; daughter Kalette James of Anton, Texas, and her children Kourtlyn James of Austin, Texas, Copeland James and wife Ashley of Lowell, Arkansas, and Cutter James of Fayetteville, Arkansas; son Andy Jack Copeland and wife Pamela of Shallowater, Texas, and their sons Stetson Willis of Shallowater, Texas, Kade Willis and wife Erin of Northlake, Texas, and Raston Copeland of Shallowater, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Brighton Willis and Braxxon Willis of Shallowater, Texas, and Kase Willis of Northlake, Texas.

He will be deeply missed by his family, his church, and his friends.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Anton, Texas.