George Bernard “Jack” Copps, Jr. (3/22/1937-2024)
The best educators view their profession as a calling, not a craft, inspire in and out of the classroom, and never really leave the profession, seeing every individual encountered as a potential student. By this measure Jack was among the best of educators, and we were all his students.
George Bernard “Jack” Copps, Jr. was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. His parents Ruth Schmadlewsky Copps and George Bernard Copps, Sr. raised Jack along with his twin sister Jean, two additional sisters and two brothers.
Jack graduated from Rapid City High School and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Black Hills State College. He completed additional studies at Montana State University in Bozeman, and he also taught several courses at MSU and MSU Billings.
In 1960, he married Donna Reid. They raised three children and later divorced.
In 1982, on the banks of Holland Lake, Jack married Penny Clark Bullock, spending the next 42 years as one another’s biggest fans. Together, they enjoy five children, 11 grandchildren (two deceased), and four great grandchildren.
Jack began his teaching career on the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, Montana, teaching and serving as high school principal for 16 years. To this day, tribal leaders and members recall it was Jack’s firm guidance and love that helped direct their lives. Jack then moved to Lewistown, serving as high school principal from 1976 to 1979.
In 1979 he and his family moved to Helena, joining School District 1 as an administrator. In 1989, Jack resigned as Helena Superintendent of Schools to serve as Deputy State Superintendent of Schools, under Superintendent Nancy Keenan. After ten years of serving all students in the state, Jack retired…for the first of many retirements.
Jack couldn’t leave education behind, assuming several leadership roles in the state, including with Northwest Accreditation and serving as the first Executive Director of the Montana Quality Education Coalition, fighting to ensure funding to fulfil our state constitution’s aim of establishing a system which will develop the full educational potential of each person and guaranteeing equality of educational opportunity to each person of our state.
Then he retired. Again.
From 2006 to 2011, Jack came out of retirement to serve as Superintendent of Billings School District 2. He retired yet again, but after only a year, was asked to once again return as Billings Superintendent, serving until 2013. Jack was more than just Superintendent; he was an active and engaged member of every facet of the community of Billings.
In 2016, at the tender age of 79, Jack again came out of retirement to again serve as Superintendent of Schools in Helena, a position he held until 2018 – his seventh retirement. During his last term, he was especially pleased to lead the effort to obtain funding and build three sorely needed elementary schools.
Everywhere Jack went he built community, made friends and left an impact. He had a special gift for building consensus, supporting and nurturing the talents of others, and making everyone feel special and valued.
Jack is survived by his wife Penny and his five adult children: Georell Copps Bracelin (Gary), Bend, OR; Bill Bullock (Robin), Condon; Trent Copps, Helena; Troy Copps, Helena; and Steve Bullock (Lisa), Helena. He is survived by nine grandchildren: Josh Bullock, Sam Bullock, Kaitlyn Bullock, Trey Bracelin, Caroline Bullock, Mae Bracelin, Alexandria Bullock, Drue Copps, and Cameron Bullock, as well as four great grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, one infant child Trevor Copps, and two grandchildren, Jeremy Bullock and Lt. Max Bullock. He is also survived by two sisters, Jean and Marilyn, and his brother Dan, all living in California.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 12 at 3:30 pm at Central Elementary School in Helena. A reception will be held after the celebration at Brothers Tapworks, 40 S. Last Chance Gulch, in Helena. Services will be live-streamed on the Helena Public Schools Facebook Page.
The family requests that any memorials made in his honor be sent to: the Helena Education Foundation, PO Box 792, Helena, MT 59624; the Billings Education Foundation, 415 N. 30th Street, Billings, MT 59101; the Poplar School District – Jack Copps Memorial Fund, Box 458, Poplar, MT 59255; or the Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit, PO Box 942, Condon, MT 59826. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jack.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
3:30 p.m.
Tuesday November 12, 2024
Central School Gym
402 N. Warren Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Celebration of His Life
Tuesday November 12, 2024
Brothers Tapworks
40 S. Last Chance Gulch
Helena, Montana
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Jim Haugen says
Jack’s successes as a school administrator are well known across the entire educational community as well as among the public sector. They started in Poplar and the accomplishments grew from there. He was one of the very finest Board members to serve MHSA and was a two term president. And above all, he was a real gentleman in every sense of the word. His family has my most sincere, significant thoughts.
An old friend, Jim Haugen, Helena
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Our sincere sympathy to the Copps family. I had the privilege of working with Jack when we were trying to pass the bond to support a new jail facility in Helena. His tremendous insight and thoughtful approach will never be forgotten by those of us who served with him. He left Helena a better place because of his influence.
Taelyn Steinke says
Jack was so wonderful. I’m thinking of you during this difficult time Penny.❤️
Dean Retz says
I was fortunate to meet Jack years ago when I was on the school board. Then – later on – with Jack’s help, I was able to help the school district to purchase land adjacent to the new Jim Darcy School. Jack was a tremendous leader!
GOD BLESS.
Steve Armstrong says
Wow! Where do I start to express my deep appreciation and respect to Jack Copps not only on my own teaching career, but coupled with his impact on education throughout this state.
I had recently returned to Montana in the summer of 1979 after teaching in Africa for 4-years, followed by completing my first MA in Ohio. An ad in the Missoulian in July 1979 listed a social studies opening at Helena High. I sent my resume and other supporting documents to Helena. Within a week, I was invited to Helena to be interviewed by Jack Copps and Cecil Deming.
Jack and Cecil made it clear to me that they were searching for a teacher and not a football coach, which was common in social studies. We had a frank and open discussion for roughly 90-minutes. I was comfortable with the discussion, but left not knowing the outcome.
I was working forest fire fighting crew that summer, so my schedule was unpredictable. I had gotten off a fire at 5:00 a.m. one day in late July, showered and went to bed. About an hour later, the phone rang. Should I answer it? I did, and on the other end was Jack Copps, stating that I was a hard person to get in touch with. He then said “Welcome to Helena School District #1 and Helena High!” Jack said that he had tried multiple times to reach me.
I was thrilled beyond imagination for this unique opportunity. Jack was very supportive of my methods of instruction, my work with co-curricular activities, and my creating the first AP course in American history at Helena High.
Jack’s career took him to different parts of Montana, one that I remember the most was his impact to rescue the Billings school district.
I would later see him out and about when he returned to Helena. I would even bump into him at Rovero’s or Lindey’s in Seeley Lake, where we would catch up on everything we could.
Jack’s impact on education in Montana will be remembered by those of us fortunate enough to have worked with him.
My sympathies to Penny, Gov. Bullock and his family, and all who were positively impacted by knowing and working with Jack.
Patty Dahl says
A finer gentleman there is not…Jack has left a lasting imprint on the lives of so many. As Rocky Mountain Development Council’s Head Start Director, It was an honor to work collaboratively with Jack from 2016 – 2018 to promote early childhood education opportunities for all in the Helena School District. My sincere condolences.
Judy Trevor says
Thank You Jack Copps for getting me to Helena Middle School from Four Georgians. You offered me a position with Starshine at Helena Middle School. I had come in fourth in the interview and they only wanted three. I said, “But I’m not qualified in Chapter one” He said, “Think again Judy. You can start there and transfer over to a team. I took the job, learned a lot and never forgot his words, “Think again.”
Deanna Dahlberg says
Georell, Trent, and Troy…
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Sending love and prayers to you during this difficult time.
Terry Beaver says
Jack Copps
*A friend who I felt was personal, and yet everyone who worked with him felt his friendship was personal also.
*A man who said what he meant and meant what he said.
*An educator who initiated an atmosphere of satisfaction within the local school district of which he functioned.
*A leader whose efforts unified educators, legislators and taxpayers.
*A teacher who recognized that who was taught was more significant than what was taught.
*An educator whose philosophy was ; Prepare not the path for the child, but prepare the child for the path.
*An educator from many and diverse educational communities and often stated that he took more from each of
those in educational experience than he left them with.
*A man whose work ethic was unmatched yet he delegated where he understood that others held the expertise
and talents that he lacked.
*A leader whose methods were simplified so as to be understood but with enough open ended flexibility for others
to embellish as they worked within his method.
*An educator to be analyzed, admired and emulated.
* “Goodbye” good friend, You will be missed.
Kim Halverson says
It was with great sadness when I read of Jack’s passing. He is definitely on my life’s “Board of Directors” and I look back on my memories of him with joy that he was part of my professional life. I first met Jack while getting my Educational Leadership Master’s at MSU the summer of 1987. He was on campus getting his Superintendent certification. All of us “wannabe” principals were immediately drawn into his circle by his charisma, mentorship, and expertise. We were lucky that he actually had to teach one of our classes when the professor became ill. When I did become a principal, I was lucky enough to run into Jack several times through the years at our State conferences. It was always fun to catch up and hear his encouraging words and advice. The best part was when he became the Superintendent in Billings. He was hired after a difficult few years when morale was low. He did his Jack thing and quickly won the respect and support of the entire district staff and community. I consider it an honor to have called him my friend and colleague. He was a great man and will be missed.
Tom Hanel says
Our sincere condolences to Penny and the entire family for your loss of Jack. As the former mayor of Billings, during Jack’s honorable service as Superintendent we had many conversations, the memories are cherished. Jack was an outstanding person and highly respected.🙏
Bruce Parker says
I got to know Jack while he was superintendent of schools in Billings. He was a driving force behind the formation of the “Yes for Kids” group that unified the business community with Billings Public Schools to restore the public’s confidence in the Billings Schools. We played a role in the long overdue passage of a couple mill levies that were needed to keep the doors open. Jack was a joy to work with and was really disarming in simple and effective ways. He could navigate through testy conversations and come away with consensus decisions and commitments and actions…..he was a great educator at the adult level as well! I have great memories of a good guy who turned into a mentor. RIP
Susan Roberts Lawrence says
Mr Copps was the best teacher I ever had! He was tough on us, but that’s how we learned! I used to babysit his kids in Poplar, MT!
Kenneth Price says
Terry Beaver said it so well in his tribute to Jack. I feel the same way about him and Terry said it best.
Jack was my boss, my mentor, the man I looked up to in so many ways. He was Superintendent of School in Helena when I was President of the HEA. We worked closely together to get things done. Often quietly in a way that produced results not conflict. To Jack, I give full credit.
Outstanding man, outstanding educator, outstanding community citizen, outstanding friend. Thank you, Jack, for all you did and for your friendship.
Jeana Lervick says
Like so many, I feel Jack’s passing so deeply because of the impact he had on my life. Jack’s kindness, humor, intelligence and compassion were unparalleled. Not a day goes by when I don’t miss seeing him, and none will. So much love to you, Penny, and your beautiful family. He truly made the world better.
Jim Stergar says
Jack was a great man who empowered those around him. Thank you for all of your time, service, and friendship. Jack will be missed. ❤🙏
Shirley Thomas says
I did not know Mr. Copps, but I do know that he made a big difference in the lives of many students due to his dedication to the schools and the children of Montana for so many, many years. Montana was blessed by his life and dedication to it’s children.
Scott Anderson says
My wife, Marilyn and I are so saddened by the loss of such a great man. Our hearts go out to Penny and his wonderful family. Jack was not only a “Hall of Fame” school Superintendent, he was also the best mentor anyone could ask for. His courage, brilliance, and kindness benefitted so many students and families. But it was his sense of humor that set him apart. He could put people at ease in any situation with a clever statement or the most entertaining story. People would often ask me after meeting him if he is always that funny. He was.
I count myself greatly blessed to have known him and am equally as grateful that he allowed me to work along side of him. I will cherish the memories and will always carry with me the lessons he taught. It was truly an honor to be his friend.
Carrie McClelland Miller says
Thinking about Jack just brings a smile to my face. What a life well lived. He always had a smile, a positive spirit and a spring in his step. So grateful to have worked with Jack during his time at Billings Public Schools. Sending love to Penny and family. What a tremendous man to remember and celebrate.
Leo Hudetz says
Our sympathies to Jack’s family. What a great man who left us all so many good memories. I worked for him at Billings Schools. He brought much needed leadership to our district. And then he unretired to guide the district again at basically no salary. We will always remember Jack.
Dwight & Kathy Moose says
Georell, Trent, Troy, and Penny
Our thoughts and condolences from colleagues and friends of over 60 years. Dwight & Kathy Moose
Kirk J Miller says
Jack Copps was the consummate ‘educator’ in the best sense of the word. His lifelong pursuit of providing our children with the highest quality education to help them achieve their goals is second to none. Jack was a mentor and friend who helped all education leaders in our state strive to achieve the highest goals of creating innovative, student-driven education opportunities for the children and communities served by our schools. Jack’s keen sense of reading situations, ability to invite diverse views to the table, and collaboration skills solved many of the biggest challenges our education system in Montana have faced over the last 50 years. Thank you my friend for being an ‘educator’ and for the helping us all learn from a master teacher. We will miss you, but your legacy of doing what is right and going all in is left with all of us who had the opportunity to learn from you.
My best to Penny, Jack’s family, and the Bullock families as grieve the passing of this great sole. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kirk Miller and Nan Miller, Montanans who are better human beings for knowing Jack Copps
Melanie McCulloch says
My deepest sympathies to the family of Jack. He was a wonderful man.
Lynne Jermunson says
My sincere condolences to Penny and family. I have and will revere the years I worked with Jack, a truly distinguished gentleman. He was a goal setter built with several contingencies which did serve students and their education in Montana. Everything he did was well done. He is a champion in his own right.
Brenda M. Granbois says
Georell, Trent, Troy and Penny,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. So many fond memories of growing up next door to each other and together. What a legacy your Dad has left for educators throughout Montana.
Nothing but love and our heartfelt respect for Jack. Love and hugs for all.
Love,
MaryLynne, Tom, Manny & Brenda Granbois
Mary Helgeson says
My heartfelt sympathy to Penny and all his family. Jack was an incredible man whose life made a positive difference. Billings was so blessed to have his leadership as school superintendent. He was kind, cheerful, patient and a good listener. My thoughts and prayers.
StoneCarlsons says
StoneCarlsons say:
Sending sincere condolences to Jack’s family all.
The very 1st paragraph of his obituary is honest
testimony to a great legacy that reaches
far and wide. We will forever remember his
passion and kindness. RIP
Steve and Dana Johnson says
Our condolences to Penny and the entire Copps/Bullock family. Jack was a great teacher, leader and human. He was a mentor and friend to us and many others. Montana has lost a great man but his legacy will last forever. ❤️
Edward Copps says
Penny and the Copps/Bullock families;
We were sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. We enjoyed
our visit with Jack and Penny in Seeley Lake. Please accept our deepest condolences, prayers and thoughts.
Edward and Jana Copps
Kelly Clancy says
Georell, Trent, Troy, and Penny,
Thinking of all of you while I am here with Jean. I know I speak for her and our entire family in expressing our deep condolences to you all. Jack was a very special man and a loving brother to Jean and Uncle to me.
Kelly Clancy
Peter Strauss says
To the Copps family – our hearts and prayers are with you. Jack was a tremendous leader in the truest sense of the word, and everyone and everything he touched is at a loss with his passing. He was truly multi-layered and always thoughtful, considerate and kind. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Janna Cawlfield says
Penny, I’m sorry for your loss. I thought you and he were such a nice people to talk with when I worked at Touchmark.
Kris says
I am so sorry I was unable to attend to honor Jack’s memory, a true leader and a kind man.
He will be missed and Billings is blessed to know him and be touched by his insightful awareness.
His humor and benevolence and compassion and empathy are genuine qualities that make Jack so beloved.
As an educator, I was fortunate to learn from him and as a human being, I am touched by Jack’s caring nature.
Know that you are treasured, Jack.
RIP.
Kris Keup