Heaven has gained two angels, and the rest of us have gained two very special guardian angels. James Lester “Jim” Stauder and Nancy Ruth (Copeland) Stauder passed away together on vacation, as they always were, on April 15th, 2022. Jim was 67 years old and Nancy was 64.
Nancy was an amazing and inspiring wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She simply cared more than anyone, and she would do anything anytime for anyone. Nancy truly dedicated her life to her family and friends, constantly providing and giving without the slightest ask in return. Nancy was a mother at her core, for her two sons, Rusty and Randy, and anyone else who would let her. She was a nurturer until her last day and a Super Mom by all definitions, but Nancy also had a tremendously successful career. It is incomprehensible how she was able to do everything she did. When she retired in 2019, Nancy was the Senior Director of Communications at Mallinckrodt, where she played a critical role in their spinoff from Covidien, frequently working 80 hour weeks. She still made it to every last soccer and basketball game for her sons.
Jim was a caring and passionate husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Jim was a particularly unique person and lived life entirely on his terms until his last day. You will never find anyone like him. He possessed an admirable degree of, often hilarious, candidness – he would tell it like it was and he would ask you anything without a care in the world. Jim was a remarkable role model for his two sons in how to be a father – he passed to them his undying love for sports and music, constantly provided valuable advice even when unsolicited, and he was a trusted friend but also played the bad cop to Nancy’s good cop when necessary. Jim had a number of careers, from the sign business to the roofing business, but finally found his passion in business brokerage and advisory which allowed him to draw on his diverse knowledge. Jim was the CEO of Biz Owner Advisors and Founder of the How to Plan and Sell a Business website. When he passed, Jim was working on his final deal before he would retire.
Nancy and Jim were world travelers and had elaborate travel plans for their retirement, which their family and friends will certainly be fulfilling for them. Together they had traveled to an impressive 6 continents, 57 countries, and 45 U.S. states, each trip extensively planned by Nancy in 15 minute increments. When they passed, they were heading to the beach for their 3rd vacation of 2022, living life to the fullest.
The loving couple are survived by their children, Russell Stauder (wife Karishma), Randall Stauder (girlfriend Kaitlyn); Nancy’s father Vernon Copeland and Jim’s mother Marilyn Massey (husband Delbert); Nancy’s brother Mark Copeland; Jim’s sisters and brothers Margie (Ralph) Wasielewski, Mary (Hank) Spencer, John (Joanie) Stauder, and Jeff (Tina) Stauder; Jim’s Massey step-siblings; 11 nieces and nephews; and countless lifelong best friends. Nancy and Jim are preceded in death by Nancy’s mother Hazel Ruth Copeland, Jim’s father Jack Stauder, and their best friend Donald Hasler.
Visitation will be held at Kutis Affton on Sunday, April 24th from 4-8pm. A memorial mass will be held at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church on Monday April 25th at 10am (live streamed at https://stjustinmartyr.org/youtube), followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life at Sunset Hills Community Center at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Gary Sinise Foundation or the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Jim & Nancy, but I’m also filled with joy in having known them. Nancy was the glue in all of her groups of friends. I will miss you Nancy. Until we meet again dear friend. Thinking of you Rusty and Randy in this difficult time.
Rusty and Randy
No words convey the depths of sorrow you are now experiencing.
I hope as time passes all the memories of family gatherings will bring you comfort and peace.
I knew Jim and Nancy through my brother, Don Hasler.
I have no doubt they are together again planning their next concert.
My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
This is a beautiful tribute to two admirable people taken from us to soon. Rusty and Randy you are in my prayers. God’s speed.
Love , Tina Wester
Nancy’s cousin.
So well written. We are all heartbroken but we celebrate their lives and their home going to be with Jesus in heaven. Randy and Rusty, you have done you mom and dad the best honor. I pray God’s continual blessings upon you both.
There are not enough words to express my condolences to your family. I can only pray that God will watch over you all and bless you in the ways that you need it especially at this time.
I did not know your mother but I did know Jim. Jim and I met and became Friends through business brokering. I had just finished my classes and he and I had talked about me training with him. I really appreciated his encouragement and direction. He was disappointed when I told him I was going to stop brokering and do business online through eBay. He was disappointed I still remember him saying that. But he supported me in eBay by giving me the white iron bench that used to be in their front yard. He was such a good friend. I know that he will be missed as I’m sure that your mother is equally missed as well.
I know that they were happy together and that was such a blessing.
God bless you and your family.
Jim and Nancy were kind and beautiful souls they are now together for eternity. We were grateful to know them both even if for a short time. Rest in peace.
Billy & I ,and our family are so sorry for your loss of Nancy & Jim. Your great memories are for ever,so may they be a comfort to you all. May God wrap his Love around you all and Comfort you today and in the days ahead. We are thinking of you all and Praying too. With our Love ❤
I am so sorry for your family’s loss and will be thinking of you during this difficult time. This piece is so beautifully written. ❤️
They lived happily together,,, and departed on a journey forever together!! Elliott family friend !!
RAMZI !!
Beautifully written, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jim and Nancy were such a loving couple and will truly be missed by all who knew them. Your treasured memories will bring you comfort forever. Love and prayers
My condolences to the family in the passing of Jim & Nancy. I worked at Mallinckrodt with Nancy for many years & it was a pleasure to know her.
RIP.
I am so deeply sorry for your devastating losses! I hope in time you are able to remember the good times and find peace!
While I was not blessed to know Jim, Nancy was one of my favorite people during the six years we worked together as colleagues at Mallinckrodt. She was a kind and caring person, always so good to be around and such a hard worker and so completely capable and reliable. I just remember her with so much fondness. I was so sad to hear about her passing and Jim’s passing. I want to extend my deepest condolences to Russell and Randall and the entire family. I am praying for the peace that comes from Jesus to cover all of you in an unmistakable way. I am so sorry for your loss.
We are so very sorry for your loss. It is so unbelievable. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever. May God sustain you through this difficult time and may perpetual light shine upon Jim and Nancy as they rest in peace. With love and condolences,
Beth, Bruce, Robert and Matt (your cousins from Michigan)
I knew Nancy from working at the old Sherwood Medical Co; we were in the same department!
It is truly sad, but for the survivors may there be a blessed assurance that they are now in God’s loving and accepting hands and that one day, you will all be together again!
RIP Nancy & Jim
To Rusty, Randy and your extended family, I can’t express how deeply saddened I am by your parent’s passing. With her kindness and her hard work and professionalism, Nancy marked and enriched my life in ways that few others have, and as you both said in your eloquent eulogies, she will continue to be in my memory. I pray for you all to find peace and comfort.
Please accept my deepest condolences. To work with Nancy was a privilege and awe-inspiring, principally because her judgement was unerring; she knew just the right thing to say or do in communications. She worked hard, to be sure, but she always got it right.
What a beautiful tribute to your patents. I worked with Nancy at Mallinckrodt and she was so sweet. I so enjoyed reading and seeing pics of your parents travel adventures. Nancy’s descriptions of their travels was so enjoyable to read on FB! My thought and prayers are with you and your family!
I worked with Nancy at Covidien and Mallinckrodt, and always found her to be cheerful, kind and considerate. She was the consummate professional, and I fell lucky to have known and worked with her. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word on her lips! Heaven has gained two amazing souls! And we’ve all gained two amazing guardian angels! May they rest in peace until we see them again in heaven! My sincere condolences to their sons and the family!
Such a lovely tribute to your parents. I had the pleasure of working with Nancy at Mallinckrodt for many years. What a kind, thoughtful and hardworking person she was. I learned so much from her communication style. She was always spot on. Prayers for peace and comfort in knowing they will live on through found memories of so many lives they touched.
What a beautiful tribute for two beautiful souls. Nancy and I worked together for several years before she retired from Mallinckrodt. I was incredibly bummed when she announced her retirement, but in true Nancy form, she continued to stay in touch with me, including her last text to me earlier this year congratulating me for a big decision a d telling me that she can’t wait to see what I do next. She was ALWAYS the first one to post a happy birthday greeting or tell me how amazing my kids were when I posted the rare picture. She just had a way of making everyone feel special, and thought about… I will miss her. Prayers and love to your family. ❤️❤️
Nancy was a wonderful human being. She was totally dedicated to whatever she focused on. Steady, kind, confident, funny. With her genuine style and dry humor, Nancy charmed all who knew her. I was looking forward to that reunion you were planning, Nancy.
I had the pleasure of working with Nancy at Mallinckrodt. She was a person that knew her stuff & was always on top of her game. l am so sorry for your loss.