Johnny "J. D." Copher

Johnny Dale (J.D.) Copher passed away November 2, 2020 in Port Charlotte, Florida. He was born July 27, 1941 in Carterville, Illinois to John and Reba Copher. He was one of 8 siblings (one of whom died as an infant). J.D. attended Carterville High School and in 1958, he joined the United States Army and became a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division. After the service and upon returning to Southern Illinois, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Bateman and they married December 7, 1962. He went to work at the VA hospital in Marion, Illinois for a few years and they then moved to Terre Haute, Indiana where he was employed at the U.S. Penitentiary as a Correctional Officer. He then became a Physician's Assistant and later a Hospital Administrator at the Federal Correctional Facility in Oxford, Wisconsin. The next moves before retirement was to the Philadelphia Regional Office as Regional Medical Administrator and then Washington D .C. where he was Medical Administrator in the central office of the BOP. Upon retirement they moved to sunny Florida and lived the dream; traveling in the RV, cruising and enjoying life. He was a member of AMVETS 312, American Legion, Elks, Moose, and his beloved Masons and Shriner’s. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and 4 brothers (1 infant). Surviving is his wife Phyllis, daughters Johnna DiSanto (Hank) and Phyllis Ford (Daniel), grandson Christopher Ford, sisters Shirley Norman (George) Linda Kinley (Joe), Judy Martin (Jim), and dozens of friends who love him. United States Army Military Honors and a Masonic Service will be held Sarasota National Cemetery at 11:30 A.M. on November 19, 2020. In lieu of flowers please contribute to Meals on Wheels of North Port where J.D. was a driver/deliverer for 7 years. Cemetery Information Date: Thursday, November 19, 2020 Time: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm Sarasota National Cemetery Address: 9810 State Road 72, , Sarasota, FL, 34241 941-922-7200 | Map