John Thomas Copenhaver, Jr.

John Thomas Copenhaver Jr. (September 29, 1925 – May 12, 2026) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. At the time of his death, Copenhaver was the last actively serving district judge appointed by President Gerald Ford.

Early life Copenhaver was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on September 29, 1925. His father, John T. Copenhaver Sr. was mayor of Charleston, West Virginia, and twice a Republican candidate for governor of the state. According to the Charleston Gazette-Mail, his father "was known as 'Jumping John' for his colorful and sometimes controversial behavior." His mother was Ruth Cherrington, who served for 16 years on the Charleston city council and 8 years as council president.

From 1970 to 1976, he was an adjunct professor of law at his alma mater, WVU College of Law.

Copenhaver was nominated by President Gerald Ford on August 26, 1976 to be a federal judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, to the seat vacated by Hall, when Hall was elevated to the court of appeals. Copenhaver was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 1, 1976, and received his commission on September 3, 1976. He assumed senior status on November 1, 2018.