John Thomas Copenhaver Jr.

John Thomas Copenhaver Jr., 100, died on May 12, 2026. John Thomas Copenhaver Jr. was an American jurist, judge of the U.S. District Court for Southern West Virginia (since 1976). John Thomas Copenhaver Jr. (September 29, 1925 – May 12, 2026) was a senior United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. At the time of his death, Copenhaver was the last actively serving district judge appointed by President Gerald Ford. John Thomas Copenhaver Jr.'s death was recorded in Wikipedia's deaths listings, which provide the source details for this notice. Because the available source material is limited to public biographical information, this memorial focuses on documented life and work rather than unsupported private family, service, or cause-of-death details. The record of John Thomas Copenhaver Jr.'s life is preserved through the public roles, accomplishments, and affiliations that can be verified from those sources.