Jody Ray Cope

Jody Ray Cope, age 68, passed away at his home in Layton, UT on October 23, 2021. He was born October 18, 1953, in Ogden, UT to Charles R Cope Sr, and Mary L (Johnson) Cope. He was the oldest of four children.

Joe was married to Christine Meckes. Together they had two children, Jeffrey Michael, and Laurel Ann. They were later divorced, then rekindled a close friendship later in life. Joe was a loving, devoted father and family man. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, and recreational target shooting and shared these passions with his family.

He graduated from Layton High School in 1971. Joe served in the US Air Force for four years as an Aircraft Mechanic and Crew Chief during the Vietnam Conflict. After Honorable Discharge, he worked at Hill Air Force Base for 11 years as an Aircraft Mechanic and Foreman.

After the 1987 Space Shuttle disaster, he transferred to Thiokol, where he dedicated 23 years to a career as a Quality Assurance Specialist on the NASA Contract for space shuttle rocket boosters. He was awarded two Silver Snoopy Awards for his contributions to the program.

Joe continued to serve his country on civilian deployments to the Balkans as an inspector of infrastructure during the rebuild following the Kosovo Conflict, followed by two subsequent deployments to Turkey and Iraq. He later served multiple Red Cross humanitarian missions, including a disaster relief mission in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Joe fought a valiant battle with esophageal cancer and was a seven-year survivor. Following his treatment, he adopted Zoah, a senior dog who was his constant companion during and after his recovery. He enjoyed simple pleasures in life like daily walks with his dog, weekly coffee and conversation with good friends, shopping at thrift stores, and tinkering on vehicles and radios.

He was loved, respected, and admired by many close friends. He will be remembered for his generosity and for his witty and jocular disposition.

Left to honor Joe are his children, Jeffrey and Laurel Cope; sister Mary J Hamner; brother Charles R. Cope; and mother Mary.

Joe was preceded in death by his father Chuck and sister Roxanne Layton. His “buddy and partner” Zoah also precedes him in death.

Family will greet friends on November 3, 2021, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary at 836 36th St, Ogden, UT.

Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Leavitt’s Aultorest Memorial Park.

Family and friends are invited to gather following the service to honor and remember Joe’s life.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com.