Jason Andrew Copeland

(1978 - 2003)

Jason's Mom wrote:

      My first born, and only son; the child I so desperately wanted 24 short years ago.  I’ll never forget holding you in my arms for the first time; so in awe of this perfect creation God had chosen to bless me with.  You were incredibly fun and easy to love, and we had a special bond that those who knew us were envious of.  Your easy-going nature, and caring, kind heart endeared you to all whose lives came in contact with yours. You were loved by an unbelievable amount of friends.  Your unique relationship with your little sister Megan, whom you absolutely adored, will, I believe, continue to be a source of strength for her in the coming years as she deals with you not being here for her.  

    Jason, I know I didn’t tell you as much as I could have over the years, but I hope you knew just how proud I was to have been your mom; it was the thing that mattered most to me in my own life, and I was so pleased with the man you had become. Amazingly though, you always remained the kid who would come over, flop across my bed, and talk to me about girlfriends, work, and most importantly, your hopes and dreams for the future.

    You were passionate about your music, and were already making quite a well-respected name for yourself in the DJ industry.  I know you would have been a huge success someday; you had so much going for you.

    Jason, I understand it must have taken tremendous courage for you to come to me just 4 weeks before you died, confess that you had an addiction problem, and ask for my help.  You saw that your life was in a downward spiral, and I know that you truly wanted to stop using.  Even though I did everything I knew to do to give you support and encouragement, the drug had it’s monster hold over you, and you were no longer in control, even though you kept saying you could beat this on your own.  I know you believed that, and you felt that you were invincible, as so many young people do.  I wish so many times that I could have protected you; isn’t that what mothers are supposed to do? And I wish so many things had been different for you in your life, and now in all of ours, as we’ll struggle to go on without you.

     The HORROR of the afternoon we got the phone call from your roommate that he had found you lying dead in your bed, is forever etched in my mind.  We were an hour away from your house, and I felt such utter helplessness, as if I were only there with you, I could somehow have done something to wake you up.  Late at night when I can’t sleep, I replay that nightmare over and over, and it still doesn’t seem real.  Jason, the day you left us, a huge part of my heart died along with you.  That empty hole can never be filled, and I will forever long to see you, and hear your “What’s up ma?” as you came through the door, always just in time for dinner, with your loyal companion Koda.  I loved you with my entire being, and I miss you terribly.  I am only comforted by the fact that now you are with Jesus, and your pain, and the shame you felt inside because of your addiction, are gone. I will see you again someday my precious son, and then I will understand. Until then I’ll carry your contagious smile and your love with me always.  It’s so very difficult to say goodbye.  Mom 

Aunt Jill wrote:

    What a beautiful child Jason was.  Full of life - he loved life.  And we loved him.  Jason's life was cut short by an addiction that has taken so many lives.  I have learned so much about this drug since Jason's death.  Jason lived a normal life, holding down two jobs and spending time with his family.  I never knew he had a problem - it just didn't show.  If we just had one more chance - just one.  

   I know Jason is in a better place - one where he can be happy and free of this horrible addiction.  I miss him more than I ever thought I could miss a child who was not my own.  Jason was my first and only nephew - a wonderful child.  He will be missed greatly by my three sons.  I only hope his death will open their eyes to the dangers of drugs - knowing now that it is not only the street "junkie" that drugs effect.

   Jason was an honest, hard-working young man.  He was an electrician's assistant by day and an up and coming DJ in the Orlando night scene by night.  He was somebody to us, and was going to be somebody to the rest of the world.  Jason - you turned to your mom for help, unfortunately the Lord decided he wanted you now. I wish I had one more chance to tell you how much you meant to all of us and how much you were loved.  I miss you - Aunt Jill

Grandparents wrote:

    Our precious first-born grandson, Jason Andrew Copeland, will be forever loved and missed. He was a kind and gentle young man and we loved him dearly. God bless you, Jason.

     Jason, I will always remember the day I witnessed your birth in the
delivery room with your Mom and Dad (my first grandchild).  You were a
precious gift, arriving at a very difficult time in my life, and you
brought me much happiness.  You lived only two blocks from me so I could
sneak a peek at you sleeping peacefully in your crib every night after I
got home from work.  Watching you run along the beach, picking up shells
and splashing in the waves made me swell with pride.  Grandpa and I
remember the precocious lil boy you were running in the Rainforest and
climbing the mountains near our home in Puerto Rico.  After returning to
the States, we watched you grow - Grandpa adjusting your Superman cape!,
attending your school functions and enjoying trips to North Carolina
together.  The thing that always impressed us most about you was your
kindness; you had a gentle soul and caring ways.  Whenever we needed you,
you were always there for us. 

I am so sorry we never realized you were so troubled because you always
appeared happy when we were together.  You slipped through our fingers
somehow, but you will never slip from our hearts.  I treasure your memory
and will love you always.  Until we meet again, never doubt that we love
you and are proud to call you our precious grandson".  All my love,
Grandma