James Vincent Edward Kopec's Obituary
Jim Kopec, 56, of Springfield, passed away Monday, February 25, 2013, at his home with his family by his side.
Jim was born December 14, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Joseph Vincent and Lois Jean Marie (Schmidt) Kopec. After the family moved to Southern Illinois, Jim graduated from Thompsonville High School. Jim graduated in 1981 from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois with a BS degree in Special Physical Education. Jim taught at The Hope Institute (formerly Hope School), Water Safety Instruction at the YWCA of Springfield, pre-school at First Baptist Church Day Care, and Adaptive Physical Education for Springfield School District #186. He also served as the Assistant Swim Coach for Springfield Southeast High School Boys Swim Team. Prior to working for District #186, he helped manage The TumbleBus where the many children affectionately called him 'Mr. Jim'.
Jim married Ruth Ellen (Morgan) White June 12, 1989 and they shared 23 years together. They have one son, Shawn of Springfield, Illinois. Jim was a past member of Harvard Park Baptist Church. Jim's hobbies and interests were wide and varied. He was a member of the Springfield Underwater Search And Rescue Team (SUSART) from 1982 until the time of his death having served most recently as Commander. Jim was a past member of the Springfield Jaycees, frequently working on the annual Haunted House where he was known for building confusing and frightening mazes. He enjoyed coaching and judging gymnastics and tumbling. Jim served 4 years with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Master for Troop #217. He was a current member of the Illinois and American Alliances for Health, Education, Recreation and Dance.
Jim enjoyed constructing and flying Radio Controlled planes and helicopters, and driving Radio Controlled trucks and cars. He also enjoyed camping and canoeing with friends and family.
Jim was a kind and loving husband, father, brother, and uncle. He leaves behind his wife, Ruth; son, Shawn of Springfield, IL; brother, John and wife Pam, and brother, Jerome and wife Patty; sister, Julie and partner Alice; brother-in-law, Paul Morgan; sister-in-law, Dawne Lyons and husband Louis; several nieces and nephews and very dear friend Sheila McClung. He was preceded in death by both parents.
Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, Friday, March 1, 2013 at Harvard Park Baptist Church, 2401 S. 9th St., Springfield, IL 62703. Funeral services will be at 11 am, Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Harvard Park Baptist Church with burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to SUSART, the American Cancer Society (Western Division) or the American Heart Association.
The Kopec family is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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