1952
James
2016
James Pape
July 7, 1952 — December 11, 2016
Marion-James W Pape, 64, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
James was born July 7, 1952 to Kathleen and Walter Pape. He grew up in Marion, Illinois and attended school in Creal Springs and Marion. He was active in Boy Scouts, Little League Sports, and band. With any free time, he loved to wonder around in the woods building forts and learning about all the trees and wildlife. Jim graduated from Marion High School in 1970 and was one of only a few people to be awarded the Rotary Diamond Key. Jim graduated from SIU with a degree in Chemistry in 1974.
In 1971, he married Deborah Jenkins and they shared a blessed and beautiful marriage for over 45 years. Together they raised a large and growing family, David Pape, wife Trinka, and children Joshua, Rebecca, and Aaron; Nathaniel Pape and children Grace and Joseph; Kaleb Pape, wife Amber, and children Judah, Mary, Rivers, Emet, and a little one arriving soon; and Kate Pape-Meggart and children Ben Gwaltney, Jacob Gwaltney, Greg Dunham, and Sam Dunham. Jim is survived by his wife, father, mother in law Norma Jenkins, father in law Jack Jenkins, his brother John and partner Allen, sister in law Tammy Jenkins, nephew Matthew Jenkins, and all of his children and grandchildren and many friends.
Jim had a long and successful career. He worked for many years in manufacturing and was known for his ability to find and fix problems when no one else could. He also worked in workforce education helping to develop others through training, coaching, and advising them in order to enhance their growth and abilities. Jim spent many years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, coached numerous little league teams, and was active in community theater. He played in the Community Band and in big bands around the area. He also devoted his time and talents to his church, was a good singer, and choir leader.
Jim was the go to person for any type of obscure trivia and rarely failed to have the right answer. Jim was the proud carrier of the “smart ass” gene and passed it on to almost all of his descendants. He had a very dry sense of humor and was able to convince people of unbelievable things by his straight faced delivery.
Jim was a totally selfless person and spent his life helping others. He saw good and ability in everyone he came across and helped them realize their potential. He loved farming, fishing, and raising animals. All babies and animals were drawn to him, even those who didn’t like anyone.
His passing has left a tremendous void in the lives of his family, friends, and coworkers.
Services are Saturday, Dec. 17 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with visitation from 10 am to 1 pm and a Memorial Service at 1 pm with Rev. John Holst officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jim Pape Memorial Scholarship Fund and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/PO Box 411/Marion, IL 62959
For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit bluefuneralhome.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Pape, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)
Blue Funeral Home (Marion)
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