Jim J. Kopp, Library Director at Lewis & Clark College, has died

It is with deep sadness that we report that Jim J. Kopp passed away Thursday, August 5, after a struggle with cancer. Jim served as the director of the Aubrey R. Watzek Library since 1999. Before coming to Lewis & Clark, he was the director of the regional consortium PORTALS and the University of Portland Library.

A graduate of the University of Oregon, Jim went on to earn a master’s in history from the University of Portland, a master’s in library science from The Catholic University of America, and a doctorate in American Studies from George Washington University.

Jim’s scholarly interests lay in the area of utopian and communal studies. His book /Eden Within Eden: Oregon’s Utopian Heritage/, published last year by OSU, was well reviewed and led to numerous readings and discussions around the state. His other publications include the Catalogue of the James J. Kopp Collection of works by and about Edward Bellamy & American Utopian Literature (Berberis Press, 2009) and numerous scholarly articles. Jim served on the board of directors of the Aurora Colony Historical Society, and on the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission.

Jim was known and loved for his wit, his wisdom, and his kindness. His death comes as a deep blow to his many friends and colleagues in the library world. And, most especially, to his family–wife Sue; sons Peter and Joe; and daughter Lucy and her husband, Ryan Berkley.

A celebration of life for Jim Kopp will be held on Saturday, August 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Lewis & Clark College.  The event will begin in Evans Auditorium, and will be followed by a reception in Smith Hall in Albany Quadrangle.

Directions to Lewis & Clark College (Parking will be free that day)

Map of Lewis &  Clark Campus (Evans is building 10 and Smith Hall is building 14)

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