James O. Coplen, 83, of Kountze, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. James was born June 19, 1928 in Hodge, Louisiana to James Ellis and Bessie Anna (Thaxton) Coplen. He was a retired district service man for Gulf States Utilities with forty-four years of service. A kind and loving man, who loved working in his garden and doing yard work, he was also a longtime supporter of Kountze Little League.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Margaret Coplen of Kountze; his children, Jimmye Carol Duhon and her husband Larry, Craig Odelle Coplen, Sr. and his wife Kathy, and Julie Ann Martin all of Kountze; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 23, 2011 at Broussard’s, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze, with burial to follow at Old Hardin Cemetery in Kountze. A gathering of family and friends will be Thursday, December 22, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Broussard’s.