HR292: Celebrating the life of Jim Kopp.

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 292

Offered February 2, 2021
Celebrating the life of Jim Kopp.
Patron-- Gooditis

WHEREAS, Jim Kopp, the owner and operator of a popular drive-in movie theater in Stephens City, died on January 4, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Jim Kopp previously operated a drive-in theater in North Carolina and fulfilled a longtime dream when he took ownership of The Family Drive-In Theatre, one of his personal favorite drive-ins; and

WHEREAS, Jim Kopp worked diligently to preserve the establishment’s legacy as a family-friendly source of entertainment and was well known locally for his generosity and commitment to servant leadership; and

WHEREAS, Jim Kopp shared his passion and expertise with fellow members of state and national drive-in theater boards and committees; he also appeared in the documentary “Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive-In Movie”; and

WHEREAS, The Family Drive-In Theatre was still closed for the winter at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it went on to play a key role in the community after it reopened in May 2020 as the only operating movie theater in the region; and

WHEREAS, in addition to showing movies, Jim Kopp opened The Family Drive-In Theatre for use by church congregations and other local groups, allowing them to maintain adequate social distancing and meet safely; and

WHEREAS, Jim Kopp will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Jim Kopp, a business owner who touched countless lives through his kindness and community spirit; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Jim Kopp as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.