James J. Koeppen, 70, Town of Lessor, peacefully passed away from a short illness on Aug. 4, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born on Oct. 5, 1947, in Shawano to John and Ida (Stern) Koeppen. He graduated from Bonduel High School in 1966, having laid claim to never opening his school books after being told he didn’t have to pass his classes, but rather, he just had to show up for school every day!
James worked for Outagamie Producer’s Co-Op in Black Creek washing dairy trucks. For a short stint, James worked security at the Bonduel Pickling Co, bragging that “no pickle was ever stolen on his watch.” He had been retired for roughly 30 years.
James resided his entire life at the family’s farm house in Bonduel, which was built by his grandparents in 1920. He was interested in automobiles and farm equipment and had a vast collection of diecast model cars and tractors. His family considered James a “professional armchair quarterback.” He enjoyed reading any NFL, college, or fantasy football magazines; he especially liked the NFL draft preview magazines and then sharing his “expertise” on player stats and season outlooks. James was also the Packers’ number one critic and loved to smack talk the team with his nephew, Ben.
James is survived by his longtime, loving companion of 35 years, Gloria Nelson, of Black Creek. He is also survived by special nephew and godson, Benjamin (Stacy) Smits. Other survivors included siblings, Flora Koeppen, Nancy (William) Smits, and John (Karen) Koeppen; nieces and nephews; Aaron (Erica) Smits, Karen (Todd) Ashland, Patricia Castel, Julie (Paul) Baranek and Amy (David) Lewis; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ida; his oldest sister and her husband, Lois and Wallace Castel; and his fur babies, Whitey and Snow.
Per James’ request, there will be no services. The family would like to thank Unity Hospice for the care given to James. Simply Cremation assisted the family. Please visit www.simplycremationgb.com to share a memory.