05/13/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LWckuPMvs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
On May 12, the Honorable John T. Copenhaver Jr., senior United States district judge for the Southern District of West Virginia and WVU Law alumnus, passed away at the age of 100. As a veteran, WVU Law adjunct professor, and member of the judiciary – and the longest-serving federal judge in the country – Judge Copenhaver dedicated his life to serving his country and state. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, not least of all the community of WVU Law.
“Even in a profession characterized by public service, Judge Copenhaver brought an exceptional sense of duty to everything he did. His career was the kind to which we should all aspire: one that perfectly reflected his best qualities as a human being. Saddened though we are by his passing, we were fortunate to know him and witness the impact he created during his life. We remember and cherish a century of dedication and service to West Virginia, WVU, our nation, and the law.” - Susan Brewer, interim dean of the West Virginia University College of Law
Read Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk's statement on the passing of Judge Copenhaver: https://www.wvsd.uscourts.gov/news/passing-united-states-district-judge-john-t-copenhaver-jr
