CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia Chief Justice C. Haley Bunn today issued the following statement on the passing of U.S. District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
“Judge Copenhaver’s positive impact on generations of lawyers, litigants, and fellow judges cannot be overstated,” Chief Justice Bunn said. “His lifetime of service to the public and unprecedented work ethic will continue to inspire us for decades to come.
“As with countless others in the profession, I experienced some of my most significant professional moments inside his courtroom while he presided with discipline, precision, and a resolute commitment to the Rule of Law,” Chief Justice Bunn said. “His legal acumen was unmatched and did not diminish with age. While he always presided with grace and never spoke an unkind word to any practitioner or party, an appearance in Judge Copenhaver’s courtroom required an extra measure of preparation because any tiny discrepancy in the record or a case citation would surely be met with his patient but firm correction.
“On a personal level, I will always treasure the last time I interacted with him when he graciously agreed to administer the oath when I began my 12-year term on the Court,” Chief Justice Bunn said. “I will never forget his kind words and encouragement, and will strive to follow his example of exemplary public service for the rest of my career. The entire West Virginia Judiciary mourns with our sisters and brothers on the federal bench, and our hearts and prayers go out to the Copenhaver family.”
