Justin Cope Obituary

Hey Guys you should go on myspace and look for Just 5 there new song is great for justin<3

What a celebration we had on your one year son. It is hard to shed off the old skin and replace it with the new! There has been many times that I call out to you only to hear the echoing of the sound of my voice before I realize that I must communicate with you (in Spirit)through our Lord and Savior. Then, every cell of my body begins to rejoice because I know where you are and what you are doing. I, sometimes get a bit jealous before I realize that I can do the same rejoicing and celebrating that you are doing in Heaven right here on Earth. I think alot of us do not realize that we start our eternal life with Jesus the moment we accept Him as our Lord and our God. It is easy to get caught up in I'isms and loose our vision of the whole picture. Our road is difficult, but not long! It is cloudy some days, but it is still straight and narrow. We may run over a pot-hole from time-to-time but our alignment maintains it balance if we stay in His Word. Being who we are in Christ will never be easy, but who said it would? I know of 11 disciples, several deacons and many old testament apostles, not to mention martyrs in other countries who knew that their lives were seconday to the Kingdom of God. So let's just leave easy out of the equation and go back to our grass roots! Our love for Jesus Christ and the furtherment of His Kingdom. We must become less of a physical thinking being and become more of a Spiritual Revival being. Like you son we must eat His Flesh and drink His Blood. Not speak it! Not act it! BUT BECOME IT! You tapped into it and fell head-over-heels for it. You were (and are) thirsty for Jesus' Blood and you hungered for Jesus' Flesh. Are we hungry and thirsty? I know that I am! I will see you soon! I will carry on your legacy. Do you know why? Because it is the same legacy that Christ has given to me. You became it and was rewarded (a business elite first class ticket to Heaven). Shall we follow? Justin is alive and he is worshipping our Lord and Savior as you read these words. The real question is...Are you alive? I love you son!

Its been almost one year ago that the Lord took you home from us brother. Its hard to deal with the fact your not here everyday but as it gets closer the pain gets greater. I know there will be a great celebration for you every year from here on out. It is something you deserve! I never realized what a great person you were to everyone and me man until you passed away! Its hard to go through certain things and not have you there but you were there in spirit and I have come to terms with that. Its gonna be hard when those special moments come around and your not there physically but the LORD will have you in our presences! Well buddy everytime I come to Charleston I come to visit you where we laid you to rest and even though you cant talk back to me man Im excited to come down because it makes me feel better! I just wish me and you could lace up the ol high tops again and play our ongoing rounds of basketball or put on the BIG ORANGE AN WHITE an watch a TENNESSEE game together but man will be reunited one day with the LORD and everything will be GREAT AGAIN!! LOVE YOU YOUR BEST FRIEND MATT ELLIOTT

hey justin i miss you so much its just so hard to think that you are not around anymore im sorry i didnt spent as much time with you i could of but every time i did i saw everything i ever wanted to be in you. i couldnt of ever asked for a better brother or a better person for my sister i miss you man its so hard to realize that your not around anymore but you will never be forgotten if i can be half of the person you were i will be happy with my life. i wish you were still here to guide me sometimes i just need you man. but i know your watching me and if you could when you see about to mess up give me a little knock on the head lol jk..... well i love man and i wish we still had more time together cause i would of eventually beat you in some sport. but now it looks like we got to wait and see i love you brother you will always be in my heart

Well son, I think about you every day and sometimes talk to you in my own quacky way! That is what I love about you, and miss the most, your ability to see right to the soul of a person. I like to think that you are a younger version of me, although I know that I am a older version of you still being tweaked in your strongsuits. When God creates a masterpiece in some (such as you) it is done quickly and in others (like me) it takes a little bit longer. I am excited that I will see you soon! I look forward to catching up and maybe, just maybe, allow you to pay me back for changing your orange "T" on your headstone to a Carolina Gamecock "T". You know how "Pops" likes practical jokes. To say I miss you is an understatement, but I am more happy for you than I am sad for myself. Our lives here on earth is so short that I know I will be hugging you tomorrow. What a Great God we serve! If we just stay focused on the glory that God has prepared for us in eternity, I, like you Justin, will see you in a few seconds. I even bet (if we can bet) I can beat (or at least tie) you in a basketball game. It will be tough when we go to Disney over Christmas because I was looking forward to spending Disney with you physically instead of spiritually, but it will give me a chance to grow in the areas that I am weak. We had so many talks about growing in the Spirit and talking in a spiritual language. I remember those talks like we had just had them. I know that you thought of me as a spiritual leader and someone you could discuss anything about the Bible with. I miss those conversations! In those conversation, it was you that ended up being a teacher which is funny because you are one. God has a funny sense of humor because He was teaching me through you. Not that you didn't know (sometimes you didn't) but the fact that you kept me on my toes and in His Word. I love you son. It looks like you will be teaching me again when we reunite. Until then, GO VOLS (Gamecocks)!

POPS

Its Thanksgiving morning and the tears won’t stop flowing as I wish you were still with us. I think about last Thanksgiving when I was so happy you were going to be with us in Columbia to celebrate Thanksgiving with Mark’s family. So many of them had not met you yet and I was so proud for them to meet my new son in law. Of course they all loved you. I think of you guys playing football after the meal and remember your contagious smile and beautiful dimples.
I still can’t believe your time with us was so short! Pops (as you called him)and I were was looking forward to experiencing so many memories with you and Kimmy.
I have to keep reminding myself the Word says My plans are not your plans. I know you completed your journey here and I am thankful I was able to experience a small part of it. You did it so well! Your sister picked the right verse when she said “Well done my good and faithful servant”. I’m trying to find joy again. I’m claiming it even though I’m not feeling it.
Kimmy is going to be the cook today. Chelsea is making the turkey and mac n cheese and Kim is doing everything else, including a ham. She’s even making devil eggs and I know you would have loved that. I can even hear you boasting that they are not as good as your moms.
I can’t help but wonder if you’re having a feast in heaven. Regardless I know you’re beyond thankful relishing in the Lords splendor and glory. I long for us all to be together again and know the Bible says our time here on earth is like a mist (very brief). My prayer today is that there will be an overwhelming presence of comfort and peace to carry those of us here, mourning, through our first Thanksgiving without you! May we be able to remember the funny and good times and not be so consumed and overwhelmed with grief? Love ya always son!

Dear Mr Cope
you were an awesome teacher and fun
I enjoyed it when you would sing in class, you will always be my favorite teacher I love you Mr.Cope and miss you very much.

Mr. Cope was my music teacher at Oakbook Elementary. I will really miss him. He was a real fun teacher to hang out with. I will always miss him an d never will forget him. i njust want to the family that just think about the good things thats what i do to keep me smiling.

My name is Joann Frye; I am the mother of two of Mr Cope's students from Oakbrook Elem. This year our children moved to Flowertown Elementary. One of the first weeks of school our children came home from a bus ride with tears in their eyes. They had heard that Mr. Cope had passed. We did not believe it, urban legend of sorts. You see, we had a busy summer and did not catch the article in the paper in June. May Mr. Cope rest in peace. He certainly touched a lot of little lives. My girls glowed when they spoke of Mr Cope's music class. And, I attended a patriotic assembly were one of my girls sang her heart out. No doubt because of Mr. Copes leadership. Thanks and RIP.
The Frye Family

What a blessing to see this is still going,,, Its still hard, a few weeks ago,, we had a sing spiration at church and one of the songs was How Great is our God,,,I could hear justin singing it as if he was right there,,,,

My daughter and I were only fortunate enough to have spent one school year with Mr. Cope. During that year, we found him to be one of the most amazing, most talented and most gentle teachers we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His smile was contagious and he always took the time to be friendly; he always took the time to make the students feel important. His loss is tragic. The world is less beautiful without him; but we will continue to honor his memory by always trying to be courteous and kind to other people, and to allow the music that he loved to lift our spirits in his absence.
Sincerely,
Shauna Decker & Molly Skaggs

To Mr. Cope and Family
My name is LaToya Peek I am the mother of one of his students (Midori Reardon) we did not find out about his passing until this past Saturday. I felt so bad not knowing sooner.Midori absolutely loved Mr. Cope she was ALWAYS talking about him, I knew she was going to take it hard when I told her what we heard was true. I met Mr. Cope several times through out the school years and he always had a big smile on his face and children flocked around him. I am so glad Midori was taught by such a great person, he made her believe in herself. Midori is going to type her own entry to Mr. Cope but I just wanted to take this time to thank him for being in her life and bringing joy through music. We would like to visit his grave and thank him properly. To the parents of Mr.Cope thank you for your beloved son..........GOD BLESS YOU

My Beloved Justin.
Its been 5 weeks today since the Lord took you home. My heart is still breaking and aches for you. I am comforted by all the great things people have written on these pages. You had such an impact on so many people and I am so honored to call you my son. From the day you were born you always had that special smile, the first time your Dad held you he said you were making faces at him.
As you grew your smile became contagious as so did your love for Christ. I remeber when you told us that you felt the Lord wanted you to go to CSU and we weren't sure if we could swing it financially but you said if the Lord wanted you to he would provide
and he did. Thru your musical training at CSU you were able to touch so many lives, I never knew how many people you had touched until your passing. You loved teaching and you loved music but most you loved praising the Lord with your voice. I am comforted from all the notes from your students and you coworkers you were a wonderful teacher. We know you loved teaching with all your heart I hope you know how much you touched your students and what an impact you had. Your light shown
everyday to everyone you came in contact with. I miss your calls
every morning as you would call on the way to school and we would pray
for each other every morning on the phone. This past Sunday was
especially hard as you would have been celebrating your first wedding
anniversary with Kimberly. You were so in love with her and were so happy last year when she became your wife. Just a few weeks before your death you shared with your Dad and me how awesome she was and how you were closer to God than you ever were since being with her. Justin you were an amazing son and I am so proud of all you aacomplished in your short
life. You made a difference in everyones life especially mine. Your love of the Lord was seen by all and your light always shone.
I know you are in heaven praising the Lord but you will always be in
my heart. I promise to help Kimberly get thru this difficult time as both our hearts are breaking. I love you son. Mom

I came to the site today thinking it would be my last time as it was to end today. Instead I see that Josh and Meredith have sponsored Justin’s legacy site for another year. Thank you so much! This site has brought lots of comfort and many tears, all necessary in the ongoing healing process. I love hearing the personal stories shared. It’s awesome to hear how Justin touched so many with his love for God, love for life and his never ending witty charm.
A year ago today we were celebrating as Justin had officially become our son. He and Kimberly were beginning their life together as husband and wife. Until the very end their time together was rich in true love as no one knew how to love better than Justin. He was a wonderful husband and I’m so glad God allowed our daughter to share the love of such a godly man. The Bible tells us God is love and Justin understood that so well. I truly believe it was God’s unconditional love shining through him that made an impact on so many of our lives. He had a way of helping all of us enjoy life more. It was amazing for me to watch how this young man balanced his life, he loved to work and accomplish so much with his music and church ministry yet he knew the importance of laughter, play, and relationships. I miss him so so much and that pain does not stop. Every day I wish there could have been more time to do life together and make more memories. I long for our reunion in heaven!!!

Jusin, you were there for me when I went through the hardest year of my life as a pastor of a church. You were an awesome worship leader and did we ever have fun. I remember when the band would practice before the service and maybe things were not going as good as we would like, that you would always stop and say "let's pray". Practice would always go better then. I loved you greatly and you were one of my best buddies. Your smile always carried me and I knew you were loyal to me as you could be. I had a great trust for you. After I resigned my church, you would invite me to come to your church with you. I would have such a blast going and one of the fun things for me was to watch you as you worshiped. Your hugs were so neat. I came home from church one Sunday morning and told my wife you had hugged me three times within three hours. You were so cool. I think you had a awesome walk with the Lord. I remember our last conversation so well the week before your passing. I remember getting off the phone and thinking, "Justin is probably the closest guy to the Lord I have ever known". I had no idea that one week later you would be looking our Savior in the face. You going to heaven has given me one more reason to look forward to being there myself.

It's been a month now since your passing and the ache I feel in my heart when I stop to think about it has not ceased. So I try to be strong for the rest of the family and do my grieving in private. Somtimes I cry in the shower or on the way home from work because I miss you so much. I know God will sustain us as we seek him in all things, and our joy will replace our hurt a thousand times over when we are reunited in eternity. God blessed our lives with three wonderful children, each of you were dedicated to God after you were born. I pray I've given a good accounting of what God let us have while we are here on earth. You could always make me laugh even when I was mad and I will keep that smile close to my heart. You touched so many lives in your time here. Someone said, You say what you think but you live what you believe. You lived what you believed every minute of you life. Thanks for setting an example for all of us to follow. All the wonderful things people have said about you have conforted us and will continue to do so forever. I know you, Mom & Dad, Jim & Reba are singing and praising Jesus together, keep us a place reserved and until then I will keep your memories close to my heart where they will soothe the hurt and replace the empty feeling until we see each other again in Glory.

I would like to express my deepest sorrow to the Cope family. I have worked with Justin's mother, Vickie, for the past two years. Vickie has been an inspiration to all of us. I have reminded Vickie of what a wonderful job her and Jim had done raising a Christian man like Justin. As a mother, I can only look to her and pray that my little girl will grow up to inspire and minister to people the way Justin had done during his life. The saying is that "the good die young" and from hearing all of the wonderful stories of Justin he was definetly a GOOD Christian man. We should all strive to be like Justin. I pray for peace and comfort to Vickie, Jim, Chad, Jessica, Kimberly and all those whose lives Justin had touched during his time on earth. I look forward to seeing him again.

It will never make sense to loose a life like Justins but it will bring us closer to our God as we try and understand his will. He certainly blessed you for 25 yrs. What an amazing man who I'm sure is in our Lords presence.

Rarely does an individual touch your life like Justin touched the lives of our family. He was my husband's worship leader for a brief time during the hardest time of our lives. Justin's face always shined with the love that he had been with the Lord. He displayed the Emannuel Factor in his daily walk. My family will always treasure the brief time we had with Justin and his dear family. We visited his church with him and his family many times and became so close to them. We pray faithfully for Justin's dear wife and family.
Love,
The Snooks

These last few days after Justin's passing on have been a reflective time on God's ways and things I don't understand in my mind but, I do know how the Spirit comforts us with the truth of God's Love and who we belong to. Roman8:35-39 comforts us in His Love for us and the peace and contentment as His children ,we do know . What Joy !! I thank God for Justin's witness of following God's way for him and the testimonies he has left us with!

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Kimberly,James, Vickie,Jessica and Chad,
I will never forget the Sunday in the early `80s when I first met Justin and the Cope family. I loved all of you from the beginning and my love for you ALL grows day by day. Justin was truly a "man after God`s own heart" and I was honored to be his pastor.I look forward to singing with him in The Heavenly Choir. You are all SPECIAL to me and I KNOW that you will experience the reality of God`s sufficient Grace.

It has been years since I have seen Justin. But I could never forget him. He has always been a very genuine and caring person. To all of his family you are in my prayers.

Though I never had the opportunity to meet Justin, I heard stories about him through his mom Vickie; whom I work with. I always knew he was a great soul and that thought was proven at his funeral. My heart goes out to Vickie, Jim, Kimberly, Chad and Jessica. He truely was a great man and Vickie and Jim should be proud of their son and the lives he touched during his short time on earth. My prayers are with his family and Vickie I Love You.

Mr. Cope was an amazing man! Not just because of the brightened smile on his face but because he had a love for GOD that was so big. He always made sure that everyone came first. I thank God that my family and I met him, laughed with him and learned so much from him. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Justin you knew your purpose in life and that’s what made your life so impacting in your short time here. It is unimaginable thinking of doing life without you. It hurts so deeply to know we will no longer share physical time with you on this earth. Our only comfort and peace comes from knowing you’re in your ultimate glory for eternity! I’m so happy for you as I know that all you lived for has now come into being. I know your busy doing kingdom work, praising the Lord and loving Him in His full presence!! Our family is better for knowing you. Thank you for loving my little girl and showing all of us what is really important in life. We long for our reunion in heaven!! Until then I pray we will be able to capture your love for life and compassion for people as we walk out each day. Love always!!

I just heard about Justin. He was a wonderful person. I met him while he was our music minister at Easthaven. He always had an encouraging smile that made the day a little brighter. He will be missed. I will keep the family in my prayers. My heart goes out to you in this time of loss.

To Justin's Family,
I just heard today about Justin. I had the pleasure of working with him as a fellow music teacher. He will be missed. He was easy to talk with and always had a smile or a hug for us all. His gentle nature will be truly missed. I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose my son at such an early age. I am thinking of you and your family. Take care.
Sincerely,
Susan Wiley
Beech Hill Elementary School

Kim and Family,

As you well know, Justin was a great man, he was always smiling. I knew him only briefly at CSU. I did have the pleasure of playing b-ball with him and the rest of the East Carson crew!

Vickie, Jim, Jessica & Family,

I could not believe it when I read about Justin in the York paper today. I am so terribly sorry and my heart aches for you. Vickie, I can only imagine your pain, I know that Justin meant the world to you. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

My heart goes out to this family because there is no bond that is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. Vickie if there's anything, I can do for you,Jim,Jessica,Chad or Kimberly please let me know. Love always, Teresa Lewis

Kim - I was so sad to hear about Justin. My heart goes out to you. It was a pleasure to spend time with the two of you. Please accept my deepest sympathy. You are in my prayers.

I don't know where to start! Yesterday when I found out I cried in front of everyone out in public. I've always wanted to have him as my music teacher!I was always interested in his creative ways to teach his students. It was hard for my brother when he found out. Alot of my friends had him in the past couple of years.I will truly miss him. RIP, Mr.Cope, for you deserve it...

Dear Mr. Cope's family,
We will miss Mr. Cope very very very much! He taught me great music and taught me my great love of music. He will never be forgotten and will be remembered as one of the best teachers that I've ever had for third grade. He is the best!
From one of your favorite students, Orlando LaPaz

To Kim, family and friends,
Justin and I were great friends in high school and unfortunately lost touch after graduation. I still kept up with him and the wonderful things he was doing through other friends and his family on occasion. Although it has been a few years since I've seen him, I can still remember his amazing smile and the feeling I would get every time I would see it. It was a warm glow that was surely the love of Christ pouring out of him. He was an amazing man of God, and it saddens me to write this, but I know he is rejoicing at this very minute with our Father God. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort during this time of saddness.

Dear Vicki I am so sorry. What else can I say. Justin meant so my to
my son Robert Hall. Justin in his caring way let him know that someone other than Mom and Dad really cared about him.
Rob was notified by Kim's father by mail on Wednesday (today) and
as soon as he could get to a phone
he called in tears. Justin was a very special friend he met at CSU ,and Justin was there for Rob (and my husband and I) at one of the most difficult times of our life. Our hearts are broken. What a blessing to have known your son! Rob sends his love and deepest sympathy to all.

Kimberly,Vickie and Jim,
I am deeply sadden for you and family. Though I never knew Justin I felt as if I did by hearing wonderful stories about him from his mother. Vickie you were always speaking of Justin and so proud of him and after attending the funeral I realize what an amazing man he was. You and Jim should be so proud. The both of you could not have done a better job as parents. Justin was the kind of man every parent hoped their children would become.
You are at the heart of so many prayers right now. May you feel God's love with you today and everyday.

Love,
Samantha Frei

Justin will be truly missed.
Our elementary music meetings were not the same since Justin joined us three years ago. He helped to keep us upbeat and showed his leadership and teaching skill from the start. I will always remember when he led a meeting and tried to show all of us that we could play the guitar, even when some of us could not even get our fingers on the correct strings.
Justin will always be kept alive in the lives that he has touched and through the music that he inspired in his students.

Dear Kim,
Please know how much all of us (faculty and your classmates) feel your loss. I remember well when you and Justin married last July. Both you and your family have everyone's greatest sympathy and heartfelt prayers. If we may be of any help to you in any way, don't hesitate to let us know.

Dear Vickie, I didn't get to know you beautiful son Justin but I know he was a wonderful person because you are a so special. I just wanted to let you know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Justin will always live on to you and all the people he touched so deeply.

Justin left a legacy of caring about people that will be felt for a long time. His smiling face and gentle spirit will always be remembered at Oakbrook Elementary. He was what teaching was all about. He touched so many lives and we are all better because of it. To Kim and the Cope family my deepest sympathies.

For those of us who watched Justin grow from an inexperienced musician to an accomplished musician and to a wonderful young man, the news of Justin's Homegoing has been hard. We take great comfort in the fact that we know Justin knew the Lord with wisdom far beyond his years, and we know that we will see him again someday. We mourn for all who will not get to experience the smile, the hugs, or the joy of being with him. We were blessed to have known him and to have a small part in his life. Our love is sent to all of Justin's wonderful family.
Sincerely,
Gadsden and Cindy Jonas

Dear Mr Cope, I had so much fun when we were in music class together.I loved it when you would make up jokes.You were a great music teacher.I love you sssssssssssoooooooooooooooo much!

I am so sorry for your loss i was one of his students .

To Kim, Ann and Family and Friends of Justin, I may not have known Justin well but after reading all the words written by loved ones, it tells me what I knew to be true. You didn't have to know him long or well to see his beautiful spirit. My daughter loved him as her music teacher and my son benifited from time spent with him and Kim.
Even my mom liked him instantly after meeting him at a school talent show Paige was in. Kim, I am so sorry for your loss and please know my prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.

I can't believe your gone Justin!! Justin was a very special person. He made everyone his friend and left no one out. He didn't judge people and loved everyone. The thing I will remember most about Justin is that crazy laugh! It would make you crack up just from hearing it. And that huge smile that was never missing. The Ric Flair WHOOOOO!!! with the four fingers flying by both sides of his head. The years wrestling in the backyard with the gang, the routine, the beat downs on Matt, and of course "the healings". Justin was one of a kind, he was sent here to make everyone's life better. He definately made mine better just from knowing him and being my friend. The memories will always be here and will always be brought up and laughed about between the guys. You will truly be missed Justin. Thank you for letting me be apart of your life and accepting me for who I am. My love and condolences to Kim and the family. I love you bro and I'll see you on the other side!

Justin was my cousin. He was special from the time he was born. He was our family blessing. He would come into the room and light it up with his smile, laughter, hugs, but most of all his love for the Lord. Last year when our grandmother was in the hospital- he came home and the whole time he was here he made her laugh. He sung to her which she loved. He will forever live in our hearts and lives. He left us all a gift behind-- Love, Laughter, Hope and Faith of our Heavenly Father.
God Bless Orben, Vicky, Kim, Chad, Jessica and Phillip. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of your today and the many days ahead.

Love always,
Tracey, Jason, Andrew and Ashlea

Justin - We are going to miss you.
Kim- We love you.
Terry, Brooke, Chase and Hunter

My two granddaughters attended OES and had Mr Cope for their music teacher....he lit up the room at every concert and even in the hallways of the school his smile brought sunshine to the hearts of all who met him. God must have needed someone to lead his heavenly chorus..and Justin Cope could fill that position perfectly.
He will be missed by all of us.
grandparents of Kayla Mizell Kindergarten OES and Devynn Mizell 3rd grade OES.
God be with all of you in your sorrow. YOu are in our thoughts and prayers.

I don't know what to say, I only got to hang out with Justin for a few years, mostly when we were wrestling. He seemed to be a very nice and funny guy, always trying to make others feel comfortable and not left out. I was shocked to hear of his passing, and saddened at the thought of such a good person gone from this earth, but I know he is in a far better place where there is no pain and he is filled with the lords glorious light. I send my condolences to his family.

When people who did not know Justin ask me to describe him I truly can't find words that are great enough to describe his wonderful spirit. I just say if I could describe Justin I would have to say he is quite possibly the best person I have ever met in every way! He made me want to be a more positive and loving person. I worked with Justin and he made it impossible to be in a bad mood around him. No matter what kind of day I was having when I brought my kids to music any frown I had would quickly turn upside down. His smile and attitude were contagious! I am truly blessed to have known Justin! My thoughts and prayers are with Kim and Justin's family and friends!

Wow. Where do I even start? Justin was such an amazing example of God's love. It was something he did not think about, he just did it, all the time, everyday, to everyone he came in contact with. I was a roommate of Justin's while he was at CSU and was in choir with him for many years. I learned so much from him, musically, spiritualy. I consider it an honor in the highest and purest form to have known him. From late-night Taco Bell runs to long walks around London, from schooling me in basketball and introducing me to the Matrix, Justin was a perfect example of a true friend, someone who was up for whatever life threw at him. Kim, I can only offer my deepest condolences for your loss and prayers to lift you up. To the Cope family, I offer sympathy for a loss that borders on unimaginable. To all the lives and people Justin touched, I offer this: Take refuge in the fact that there will be a reunion to end all reunions when we get there, and knowing him, Justin will probably talk Peter into letting him throw open the Gates.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to justin's family and also thank them for bringing him into this world to begin with. He was one of the most amazing men that I had ever met. He always had a way of making people feel better without even saying a word. The world needs more people like Justin!!!

MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY!! I didn't personally know or meet Justin, but my grandson, Julian Gibbs, is a member of the OES Singers. I attended several of the concerts and my eyes were always riverted to Justin because of his enthusiasm, his beautiful smile and his patience with the children. I could tell he truly enjoyed what he was doing. At the last concert I attended, he introduced a beautiful choir of Bell Ringers. They were wonderful! He informed us, the audience, that they did not have a name and for us to think of a fitting name for them. I think it would be great for OES to honor this wonderful person by naming the choir after him...."The JC's", "The Cope Bell Ringers" or "Justin's Bell Ringers".....Again, my sincere sympathy! My heart and prayers are with you and God's Blessings to you all!

What a great void this will leave at Oakbrook. Mr. Cope was my daughter's music teacher and guitar instructor. He had a gift for dealing with children and if you went to the concerts you certainly saw it. My daughter loved him like no other teacher she has had. He would assist her to her car after every lesson. Arden is very tough on herself and often gets pretty upset if she makes a mistake on the guitar but Mr. Cope made it ok to make mistakes. Mr. Cope gave her his love for music and she lives it everyday. His spirit has touched so many lives and made a big difference. We cannot tell you how sorry we are. We will keep you in our prayers.

I will never forget the difference Justin made in our daughter Leah's life. He taught her 2 years ago and to this day he is one of her favorite teachers. I remember asking Justin one day if he was a Christian. You could just see the JOY of the Lord on his face all the time. I was so glad to learn that his smiles came from a relationship with Jesus. Though Justin is no longer on this earth, I know we will see him one day in heaven. Until then, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and friends who loved him so much.

Justin was in my classroom every day for four years at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill. In 26 years of teaching music, I've never worked with a finer young man. He was a sweet and talented kid. Who could resist that smile---he was happy. When he finished his degree in music, I tried to talk him into moving to Beaufort and working with me, but he wanted to stay in Charleston. After reading these entries in the guest book, I can see why. He touched so many lives. We are all blessed to have known him. Not once, in all of our musical endeavors, did I have to ask for his focus. He was always there, working and smiling. In Rock Hill, he helped us grow a musical garden----"inch by inch, row by row".

I was so saddened to hear of Justin's death tonight. My daughter, Amy Scott Kinard, had Justin sing at her wedding July 2, 2005. He was such a loving, warm , christian young man. All who knew him, loved him. We were watching her wedding video and talking about contacting Justin to let him see the video just this past week. You know Jesus was standing at the gates with open arms to welcome him. He's singing praises now with the Lord. You should be proud of the young man he was. I'm sure you have so many wonderful memories. Keep those close to your heart.

Wow..where do I even begin? Justin was truly an inspiration to me in the purest sense of the word. I learned so much from Justin musically and spiritually. In being a roommate and schoolmate of Justin's at CSU, I had the privelege of hanging out with him alot. He was always there to help anyone who needed it, and also had a great way of making everyone feel at home. From playing basketball and tennis to introducing me to the Matrix, from late-night Taco Bell runs to long walks around London, Justin was a great model of a true friend who was down for whatever life threw his way. I consider it an honor in the highest form to have known such an awesome example of God's handiwork. Kim, I offer my deepest sympathy for you now, and will continue to lift you up for the forseeable future. I hope that in time you will take solace in the fact that God was, is, and will always be in control, and he is not through with you yet, not by a long shot. To the Cope family, I offer condolences for a loss that borders on the unimaginable. Although it may be difficult to do, remembering Justin will ease the pain in time. Justin was a true man of God, and touched everyone and everything he came in contact with with a love that can only be described as divine. Now we can all take refuge in the fact that he is home now, and is probably waiting to throw open the gate when we get there.

JUSTIN,
YOU WAS AWSOME WE WERE SO SO PROUD OF YOU. YOU ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND VERY NICE AND KIND TO EVERYBODY.WE ARE SO SORRY ME AND BILL COULDN'T BE WITH THE REST OF THE FAMILY DOING THIS SAD TIME BUT YOU WERE IN OUR HEARTS. WE HAVE CRYED AND CRYED BUT WE KNOW YOU ARE AT A BETTER PLACE IN HEAVEN WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN.KIM,ORBEN COPE AND FAMILY WE HAVE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.WE LOVE ALL
LOVE YOU AUNT BEULAH AND BILL COLE

Our whole family loved Justin Cope and we share your grief. We often talked about his contributions and what an impact he had. He was a blessing to OES and the art programs. He was fabulous with the kids and they adored him. He made everyone laugh and we appreciated and admired his talent & his spirit. Words cannot express our sorrow. Our prayers are with you.

I first off want to send the family of Justin Cope me best wishes. I know that he had to have meant a lot to you because he meant a lot to me and all the other Summerville High Chior members that came in contact with. He was a very funny and outgoing person and he will be missed greatly by all of us; students, co-workers, family and friends.

Love

Who could imagine that something like this could happen to such a wonderful person. Mr. Cope was our favorite student teacher at Summerville High. He really connected with all of us. He was an amazing teacher and musician. He was simply an amazing person. He was able to teach us many things, not just music, about life. He lit up the room with his personality and his antics. Mr. Cope, you will be sorely missed... by all of us. To his wife: I am terribly sorry for your loss. If you need anything at all, please feel free to contact me. Keep your head up. He is watching over you.

I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss Justin. He was always positive and encouraging. I am so glad that I had the privilege of knowing him through our work. May God bless you with wonderful memories to get you through this difficult time.

I am so heartbroken to hear about your loss. Justin always had such a light around him - he was so kind, and really showed the love of Christ to people. I was in Concert Choir with Justin, and other music classes all four years of college at Charleston Southern University. He left an impression on my of someone who had so much joy. He always looked for the people who may have felt left out, and included them in a group. He was an example to all of us. I am so sorry to hear of this loss. My heart and prayers go out especially for Justin's family and his wife. I pray for God's comfort to hold you so close during this time. It was a priveledge to have known him.

mr.cope always had a smile on his face his was the best music teacher ever all of his friends will miss him

i am so sorry for your loss, may god bless your family, in this time of need.

We will miss you mr.cope. You were a nice music teacher.

I met Justin at Northwestern High School. We took an "Individual and Team Sports" class together, basically all we did was play basketball the entire class period. There were 5 or 6 of us guys that took the class every year and actually formed quite a bond through the class itself that didn't necessarily carry over into our normal lives. It was still a special time as I know we all looked forward to that period more than any other. I only knew Justin in that context, but was still amazed at how happy he always was. I never saw him without a smile on his face. Upon informing several of the other guys from the class about Justin's untimely passing, they all had the same response..."He was one of the nicest people I've ever met". Often when people pass away, good things are said about them. After reading the messages on here, I can truly tell that Justin was a special person and that my own conclusions about him in the short time that I knew him were 100% correct. Once again, my condolences to Justin's family and close friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

I will never forget the first time I met Justin. I was auditioning for New Vistion, and I remember his smiling face.How could anyone forget that? He could light up a room. He gave the best hugs, and had the best laugh! Kim, I know it is hard to imagine life without him, we are praying for you.

My daughter Brianna attends Oakbrook Elementary. She would always tell me how a wonderful teacher Mr. Cope was. She truly enjoyed learning music with him. My prayers are with you in your time of sadness.

Loosing Mr. Cope will affect many people in the community. He was bright, loving and caring to all that came in his path. The loss for the family and his new bride is tremendous but also for all the children that he touched. Mr. Cope taught our daughter Veronica at Oakbrook Elementary and he quickly became one of her favorite teachers. His never ending encouragement to every child was to be admired. He will be missed. God had a better plan for him and although we may not understand it, we have to be grateful for the opportunity that God has given us by letting him touch so many lives. May God keep him by his side and may his smile always watch over all who cared for him. Blessings to all his relatives and wife, Kim.

Justin new my mom when she worked at CSU "the college he went to". He was so nice and he put on a birthday party for me when I was 5. I loved NSync and he and a couple of his friends made up a dance and sang NSync songs for me and my friends! He was the nicest college student I ever new. I will miss him and keep him in my prayers!

It was God's providential plan that brought Justin to Rutledge Baptist last Wednesday. We had played together in our Praise Band for a few years, but I had not seen him in about 4 months...he was to lead our Praise Band in this Sunday's service...through a series of events that I won't even begin to explain, we were able to spend time with him, share dinner together, shoot some basketball, laugh, have some great conversation...Justin had the ability to make everyone around him better...to love life more, to take that extra step to perform to the best of our abilities, to want to give more of ourselves because we saw him do it time after time. He and Kim watched our house and our animals, (like our children), several times because he was the only person that we would have ever trusted to care for them and love them like we do. Last Wednesday, as he left Rutledge, Merideth D, Judy Cone and myself were sitting at a table finishing dinner...Justin came in, told us goodbye and said, "I love you guys" and we had the opportunity to say, "Love you, too, Justin". That's the last words he heard from me on this earth and I take great comfort in this...there are many lessons to be learned from the passing of this model of what a servant of Christ should be...live life, love life, and always remember to whom you belong. When the dust settles, all the money that is accumulated, all the property possessed or the status gained mean nothing if God has not been glorified in and through your life. Praise God Justin's imprint will reach beyond our imagination...just read the letters from his students. To the family, we will be praying for your strength...as the father of a 24 year old, I know that it is only through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ that you will be able to endure this tragedy...praise God for the promise of eternal life! Our prayers are with you all...

I had the privilege of working with Justin at OES. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He just had this glow about him! He would stop by the guidance office on a regular basis just to check in on us and see how we were doing. Or to let me know that a student seemed upset and could use a little TLC. That was just his way.
I'll always remember his hugs, the love he had for his students and the funny little hat with earflaps.

To Kim and The Cope Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. You are in my prayers.

Through several years of working in the dorms at CSU, I have never met anybody quite like Justin. He made a special effort to get along with anybody he came into contact with, and it was obvious that God was working in his life. He loved the Lord, and he loved his life and friends at CSU. He is a perfect example of what every CSU student, and every faculty and staff member as well, should strive to be. I feel blessed to have known this incredible man, and he will be missed greatly.

We had the hardest time trying to explain this to our son Skyler. He and his sister Bella were the ring bearer and flower girl for Justin and Kim's wedding. However, we found that a child of God sees things through inocent eyes, and after telling Skyler of Justin's passing he immediately responded with "I guess God needed him in Heaven" I am sure Skyler is right. Our deepest sympathies to Kim, the Cope family and to all who had the privelege of knowing Justin in this life. I know our faith will allow us to see him again. God bless you all.

mr copewas someone ihad the pleasure of meeting2006 2007 school year his big heart and bright smile touched everyone so deeply iwilltruley miss justin

To the dear family of Justin Cope, my heart aches for you and your loss. Justin one of my two Harold Hill's in our CSU production of The Music Man. When he asked if he could audition, I wondered how I could possibly be so fortunate. His presence and characterization on stage were so convincing, and it is only because he was genuine to the very core of his being, and let that show in everything he did. He inspired everyone around him to be better at whatever they did, and always went beyond what was asked of him.
Most of all, and most importantly of all, Justin's face SHONE with the light of Christ, his Saviour and Lord. It was his love for Christ that permeated everything he did, and allowed him to show such unconditional love for others.
There are many scripture passages that remind me of Justin's life. Some I came across today are in I Peter 4:8, 10-11. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and my heart is filled with thankfulness for the memory of Justin.

Kim, You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. I have truly been inspired with Justin's enthusiasm in his walk with Christ. Every time Anna (my daughter) and I saw him at Easthaven he always had a smile on his face. He truly was one who was filled with the Holy Spirit.

I am sorry to hear Mr. Cope is gone. He was the best music teacher I have ever meet. I really miss him.

To the Cope family,
Justin has touched so many lives and left so many of us with memories of his smile, his enthusiasm, and his kindness. I can't remember ever seeing Justin without a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed, but there is no doubt that he is in a better place. Please accept my condolences.

Justin you were only on loan to your family and friends for short while. God must have a much greater plan for you. In your short life you deeply touched everyone who knew you. No one will ever forget that joyful smile. It was always present and it came from deep within. Your humanity, gentleness and talent cannot be duplicated. I feel honored to have known you and to have shared a laugh with you. You've earned your wings much earlier than anyone could have imagined. You will be missed greatly and remembered always with love.

I am deeply saddened by this loss. I was one of Mr.Cope's students and even though I did not know Mr.Cope outside of OES, I knew he had a bright future ahead of him. I am now a middle schooler but I will prey for him and his family. I wish the best to them and his friends. He will be missed greatly and there will always be a hole that can never be filled in our hearts where he used to be. God Bless You All!!! <3

I never got to meet this young man, but with all I've heard and read, I can't help but feel the warmth like I knew him. God works in mysterious ways we'll never understand, and I was once told that in a field of flowers the prettiest one always gets picked first! He was such a special person in so many lives, God must have needed his help. Kimberly my dear, I love you so very much and feel so much of your pain. Be strong my dear, you are blessed and cared for so much! I love you deeply, your Aunt Brenda

I have only known mr. cope for a short while, but he has launched my dreams of music into motion this year. i have been taught so much, and it was a pleasure to see and be in and apart of his work. i will miss you man, ryan

Justin,
What can I say? I loved you so much! I can't remember a time when you didn't make me smile as soon as I saw you. You were like the brother I never had. I'm going to miss being with you and Kim and playing games and laughing. I'm going to miss your smile and your skinny but huge hugs. I wish I would've squeezed you tighter last week. I'm going to miss you picking at my food. I'm going to miss singing with you. Most of all I'm going to miss your dimply smile that made me feel warm inside. I will never forget what you've taught me about being a light for Christ, and living each day like it was your last. You have touched so many lives. We will never forget you and your loving spirit. You will remain in our hearts always reminding us how we should live for Christ. Josh and I would not be the same without having you in our lives. We love Kim very much and will watch over her until we all see you again. There's an emptiness here that only Christ can fill. Until I see you again in Heaven,I Love You. Merve

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of loss of someone so special. Sincerely, Edna Clark

Justin, my only wish is that before you left us you knew how deeply you touched the hearts of those who knew you. The effect you had on the children of Oakbrook is truly amazing. Taylor and Jordan absolutely adored you and want to know who will let them know if they made it into the talent show next year. I remember you commenting to me on how amazed you were at how far Jordan had come in her gymnastics. Then, on the last day of school, you told Jordan to save you a seat so you could come watch her at the Olympics. Jordan mentioned this after she learned of your passing and I let her know that now you had a front row seat and you will be cheering her and Taylor on in whatever they do. Oakbrook will never be the same without you but I know that your spirit will always be felt thoughout our hallways !!!!! Thank you for all the happiness that you have brought into my childrens lives.

I had the privilege of singing with Justin in New Vision. Although it's been many years since I saw him I can still picture his smiling face like it was yesterday. To Kim and the Cope family you are in my prayers. Even though we are saddened by the loss of Justin I know that he is in Heaven right now singing praise to God with the angels.

Mr. Cope was a very very nice teacher.He was also a very funny teacher and I will never forget what happen to his big heart.:[

Justin Cope was an amazing person. I remember when his former choral director at Rock Hill, Vic Varner contacted me saying “you are getting an incredible young man at CSU. I consider him like a son, please take care of him”. I did not realize how true those words were until I met Justin. From the first time he sang in any of the ensembles I directed, I knew he had the love of Christ in him and that he was special. He came to CSU as a church music major but in the spring of 2002 he came into my office and said, “Dr. Bullock, I think God wants me to be a music educator”. Needless, to say, I was thrilled and I knew that he was going to make a wonderful teacher. Over the years, I watched Justin continue to grow as a Christian and a musician. I have so many fond memories of him that have been flooding back to me these past few days. I remember when Chamber Singers went to Florida in 2002 and he came to dinner with his face painted like Spider Man. I remember in the Elementary Methods class when he taught the Chicken Dance for his “movement” lesson when we could hardly dance for laughing. I remember seeing him respond to the Gypsy village children in Varna, Bulgaria and how they were drawn to him and his smile. I remember his conducting “At the River” with the Concert Singers in the fall of 2003 and thinking that everyone seemed to glow and float upward. I remember watching him student teach in the spring of 2004 with Jennifer Canfield at Summerville HS and thinking how he electrified the entire class. I remember finding out how he led a group to Buckingham Palace in the wee hours of the morning while in England in 2004 saying we may never pass this way again. I remember being on stage with him when he played Harold Hill in the Music Man being daunted by his inner beauty and presence. I remember watching him teach this past April and thinking what an amazing young man he was and watching as the students were mesmerized by him and his love for music. But most of all, I remember Justin, his smile, his love of God and the way he exemplified how we as Christians should be. We love you Justin and you will be sorely missed but we know you are singing (and probably grinning) and praising God for eternity.

I will miss Mr. Cope dearly. He was the greatest music teacher in the world. Bye.

We have heavy hearts here at Dr. Finkbine's office. Justin had a wonderful smile! We know he will be missed by many! Please know we are thinking of you Kim and your family.

To The Cope And Blevins Families

I was a bus driver at OES and knew Justin. I will miss him greatly as his smiling face was like a ray of sunshine in the early morning. and he always took time time to greet each stundent and driver if he could. May God be with your families in this time of need.

Mr. Rich

he was the best and nicest music teacher in the world he taught me everything i needed to know he will always be in my heart

I will miss you buddy.You were like the little brother I never had. Thank you for all of the good times and helping me to start singing again. If you had not made me get into the choir, I may have never tried again. I am going to miss you along with everybody else, but you are in the best place you can be now, and I know you will be watching over all of your friends and family. I know that I will see you again some day, because I know you are in heaven. To Mr. and Mrs. James Cope, if you need anything, please let me know. To Jessica, Chad, Kim and all other famiy members, the same applies. I love you all and am sorry for the loss.

I am so sorry for Mr. Cope's family. He was a great music teacher. He died at a very young age. I miss Mr. Cope very much! I pray for him! Love, Mary Paige

I only knew Mr. Cope thru my daughter who attends OES. She wanted a guitar for Christmas last year and wanted Mr. Cope to teach her how to play it. So, that's what she did...and loved every minute of her lessons and practice. I know she will miss him terribly and think of him often as she continues to learn. I watched his face light up once as he directed a group of children playing the bells at a school concert. It was obvious to me that he was exactly where he wanted to be...surrounded by children and music. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.

Kimberly,
First, and foremost, Justin was an awesome man of God, and we are sure that he is rejoicing now in the presence of the Lord! Kim, even in trying to understand what you are going through, we cannot come up with appropriate words to say. Losing a loved one can take your heart away, but don't let it. There is a time for mourning, but there is also a time for rejoicing! We are truly sorry for your loss. Heaven has just gained one more Godly person, and all for God's glory. Know that both Kim and I will be praying for you, and our hearts cry out for you and yours.
Seth and Kim Martin