James Wilbert Kopp

James Wilbert Kopp, 92, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, January 31, 2016 in Aultman Hospital at Canton, Ohio following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Samuel Wilbert and Clara Caroline (Dorsey) Kopp, James was born March 7, 1923 at New Philadelphia, Ohio.

On January 8, 1943, James was inducted into the United States Army and served with the 137^th Infantry during World War II.  During his service to his country he fought in the Battle of the Bulge from which he received a Bronze Star.  He also served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe and received an honorable discharge on October 23, 1945.

James married the love of his life, the former Evelise Starinieri, on May 11, 1946 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia.  The couple raised one daughter, Eleanor.  He was employed by Warner & Swasey at New Philadelphia as a maintenance supervisor and retired after 32 years of service.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia and also the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445.  During his younger years, James enjoyed camping with his wife and they were members of the Tuscora Campers Club.  They also enjoyed frequent visits to Florida.  He was especially proud of being from such a large family and enjoyed family gatherings.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Evey; his daughter and son-in-law, Ellie and Tim Walters of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Christian (Kristin) Walters of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Aimee (Bryan) Proctor of Winnetka, Illinois; five great grandchildren, Joseph and Gracie Walters and Eleanor, Gabriel and Miles Proctor and his siblings, Loretta Edie of Dover, Mary McConnell of Midvale, Eleanor Tylka of Wooster, Maxine (Clarence) Basiletti of Dover, Marjorie (Marion) Degen of New Philadelphia, Samuel Kopp of Canton, Edward Kopp of Twinsburg, Ohio, Larry (Glenna) Kopp of Dover, Carol Rose Brick of Uhrichsville and Daniel (Carol) Kopp of Mansfield, Ohio.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia with Father Jeff Coning celebrating.  A meal will follow in St. Ambrose Hall, adjacent to the church, following the service.  In keeping with James’ wishes cremation will follow the services.

Contributions may be made in James’ memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.