John H. "Jack" Coppens, 94, of Charlevoix, passed away Sun, Mar 9, 2014, at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. He was born Oct 12, 1919, in Frankfort to Solomon and Gertrude (Dorsey) Coppens. Jack graduated from Empire High School. On Aug 14, 1943, he married Mae Gallagher in Pontiac.
Jack joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1937, and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal after serving in the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. Following World War II, his Coast Guard career included many ports on the Great Lakes. His service in the rescue mission of the freighter, Carl D. Bradley, and protection services of President John F. Kennedy while in Florida were highlights of his career. He concluded as skipper of the Naugatuck in Salt Ste. Marie. In 1967, Jack retired as Chief Warrant Officer. That year, he and Mae made their home in Charlevoix. Jack went to work for Lexalite International and retired again after 14 years.
He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Charlevoix, American Legion Leslie T. Shapton Post No. 226, VFW Post No. 1153, the Pierre de Charlevoix Council 7172 Knights of Columbus, and the Charlevoix Elks Club. Jack enjoyed fishing and golfing.
Mae preceded Jack in death on Jan 24, 1997. He is survived by his children, E. (Jackie) Coppens of Sugarland, TX, Suzanne Carlson of Charlevoix, Marianne Coppens of Charlevoix, Cheryl (Randal) Chism of Traverse City; grandchildren, Suzanne, John, Michael, Erin, Robert, John, and Christopher; many great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; sisters, Alice Diggins of Empire, Barbara Vogel of Suttons Bay; many nieces and nephews. Jack was also preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy; and brothers, Robert and James.
Visitation will be 6-8pm Fri, Mar 14, at the Winchester Funeral Home in Charlevoix, where the Rosary will be recited at 8 pm. Funeral will be at 11 am Sat, Mar 15, at St. Mary's Church in Charlevoix. The Rev. Matthew Wigton will officiate. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary's Cemetery in Charlevoix.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charlevoix Area Hospital.