Jim Copeland's Blog (4)

Several years ago, during my tenure as a case worker in a military-style boot camp for juvenile offenders, I was approached by a 16-year-old cadet. “Mr. Smith, is there someway I can stay here?” After being in the program 56 days, this young man was four days away from being released and returning to his family and friends. Yet he wanted to remain in what I personally considered a pretty demanding, if not harsh, environment. This was an environment where cadets were required to wake well before… Continue

Published: August 20,2008 Life Is a Game Book Review By Kam Williams "The choices we make determine our destiny and whether success or disaster is achieved. We either elevate to greatness or descend to obscurity... The game of life can be played in several ways. Some spend their life chasing dreams. Others spend their life making dreams a reality. Which one will you be? In life, it is important to use our strengths as assets in achieving our goals. If we focus too much on our weaknesses, we… Continue

How will you be remembered? What legacy will you leave? Jim Copeland III long ago sought his answers to the questions he routinely asks each of the inmate students in his special education classes at Beaumont's Federal Corrections Complex. "To encourage, support, and inspire people to use the gifts and talents God has placed within them," Copeland recited. "To find a place of need in society, or even in one's personal life, and fill that need. To take risks. To be fervent. To never give up."… Continue

Jimmy Copeland, author of "Life is a Game," (Living Waters Publishing Company, 60 pgs, $17), asked and answered questions about himself. Q: What is your personal background? A: I was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1980. My father is a retired Lt. Colonel and mom is a Social Worker. I am presently employed by the Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons as the Special Education Coordinator for the correctional facility. I was raised with strong Christian values. I practice and… Continue