James R. “Jim” Cope, 72, of Toronto, OH, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at his home.

Jim was born May 22, 1954, in Steubenville, OH, son of the late Rev. Ralph J. and Ada Elizabeth (Reed) Cope. He was also preceded in death by his aunt, Jeanette Reed and brother-in-law, William “Bill” Sutherin.

Jim worked in management at companies including, Timet, Bayer, Lesco, and also worked for Timken Research.

His memberships included the First Westminster Presbyterian Church, in Steubenville, where he took part in their Bible study and many other activities, Toronto Kiwanis Club, and the Tristate Winemakers Club.

Jim was a 1972 graduate of Toronto High School, where he was Valedictorian. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from ‘The’ Ohio State University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technologies from Kent State University, and a technical degree in metallurgy from Jefferson Technical College.

Jim was an avid OSU Buckeye and Pittsburgh Steeler fan, he loved going to the beach, he loved cooking and most of all, he loved his family.

Surviving is his wife, Michelle N. “Mickey” (Nevlis) Cope, whom he married April 23, 1983; his four sisters, Kathleen (Timothy) Harney of Henderson, NV, Marla (Larry) Strasbaugh of San Luis Obispo, CA, Ruth Sutherin and Gail (Jim) Saner both of Toronto and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his beloved dog Cosmo.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 4 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto. Additional visitation will take place on Sunday at the First Westminster Presbyterian Church on Fourth Street in Steubenville from 1 to 2 pm. Jim’s funeral service will follow at 2 pm led by Rev. Jason Elliott.

Memorial donations may be made to: First Westminster Presbyterian Church, 235 N Fourth St. Steubenville, OH 43952 or Empower & Link c/o 127 DiPino Dr. Colliers, WV 26035.