James Leroy Koppelman

July 4, 1928 - September 29, 2010

James Leroy Koppelman, 82, of Bluffs, Illinois passed away Wednesday morning, September 29, 2010, at Liberty Village Nursing Home in Pittsfield, Illinois. He was born July 4, 1928, in Beardstown, the son of Emil and Edna Koppelman. He graduated from Beardstown High School in 1946. He married Ferida Mae Esmail, who preceded him in death October 28, 2003. Also preceding him in death were two sons, James and Emil Koppelman. To this union were born five children, Phillip Koppelman (wife, Dagmar) of Jacksonville, Robert Koppelman of Jacksonville, Sandra Bangert (husband, Tony) of Bluffs, Faith Nergenah (husband, David) of Jacksonville, Carol Graves of Galesburg, several grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluffs and served on the church council for many years. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Through his life he enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, and listening to his collection of music. In honor of James' memory, donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluffs or North Scott Rescue Squad in Meredosia, Illinois. A celebration of life will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday Oct. 2, 2010 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bluffs.