James P. “Jim” Rospopo, 64, died at his home, 19909 Gumwood Road, Argos, Ind., at 10:05 a.m. on Sunday morning, September 7, 2003. Jim passed away, following an extended illness, in the loving care of his family and the Marshall County Hospice.
Born in Mishawaka, Ind., on April 5, 1939, he was the son of John P. and Florence J. Eberlien Rospopo. He was raised in Mishawaka and has been an Argos resident since 1970.
Jim was a grammar school student at St. Joe Catholic in Mishawaka and happily had been able to gather with his friends for their 50th class reunion just two weeks ago. He graduated from Mishawaka High School with the class of 1957 and then served in the Naval Reserves.
On January 7, 1967, in South Bend, Jim and Pamela J. Barger were married. A member of the building trades, he worked as a carpenter and cement finisher for many years. He loved carpentry. He worked for North Shore Woods Apartments in South Bend and from 1994 to 1998 at Ferro Industries in Plymouth.
A member of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, Jim was an active and faithful 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council No.1975. He was a Bingo volunteer and worked as the kitchen “crew”, which gave him a great sense of purpose during his illness. He enjoyed camping with his family, fishing and woodworking. In the past he had assisted his children in the 4H program and was persistent in attending the Marshall County 4-H Fair just a few weeks ago.
Jim is survived by his wife and by their three sons and three daughters.
Their sons are: Rich P. and Christy Rospopo, Argos; Justin A. Rospopo, at home, and James P. Rospopo, Jr., Chicago, Ill.
Their daughters are: Angie M. and Karl Lichtsinn, Argos; Chantelle M. Rospopo, at home and Debbie A. and Jeff Cossey, South Bend, Ind.
Seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive, together with two brothers and a sister; Ray and Ann Rospopo; Richard and Dixie Rospopo; and Evelyn M. and Gary Weldy, all of South Bend.
His mother-in-law, Margie Barger of Plymouth and several nieces and nephews survive as well.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Jim’s life and visitation with his family will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2003, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. A Rosary will be held at 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Fr. William Kummer and Fr. Edward Ssebbowa, will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 in St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 625 N. Center St., Plymouth.
Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial gifts honoring Jim’s memory may be made to the family or to a charity of the donor’s choice.