In Memory

James Koepke



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

03/28/14 06:22 PM #1    

Russell Burghard

Jim and I were going to join the Marines together, but fortunately for him, he changed his mind and later joined the Navy.  As a SeaBee, he did two six month tours in Vietnam and wintered over in Antartica.  I visited Jim while he was still in and stationed in Rhode Island when I was attending school at UMass.  He later moved to Las Vegas where he worked for Cashman Equipment, a major CAT dealer.  On a number of occasions I visited Jim in Las Vegas when I was in the lumber business.  I used to fly in there, spend the weekend, and drive up to a sawmill we had in Escalante Utah.  Jim and his second wife, Barbara enjoyed horses and had a nice place on the outskirts of town.  They grew tired of the changes that were happening in Las Vegas and moved to Huson, Montana (near Missoula).  Jim started teaching deisel mechanics at the University of Montana.  I was saddened to receive a Christmas card from Barb that Jim had passed away suddenly in 2005.  He was truly a good guy and is missed.

Russ Burghard


03/29/14 08:26 AM #2    

Susan Schaller (Scimeca)

I remember Jim from years ago. We were in several classes together, one of which I believe was art, and he was always a fun guy to be around. The image I have of him from those many years ago was of a tall guy, with a head of thick dark hair, glasses and always a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He signed my year book, over his picture, "To the nicest girl I know in the senior class. Best of luck in the future, Jim 64' " 

He would have been one person I would have very much have liked to have seen again. I am truly saddened to hear of  his sudden and untimely passing. God bless you, Jim.

 


04/07/14 05:03 PM #3    

Daniel Bulla

Knew Jim pretty well from the wrestling team.    Very much a nice guy and low key...not a drop of jackass in him.     Saw him and refreshed memories at the 20th reunion (he was doing a little moonlighting as a card dealer at a casino as I recall).    Had hoped to see him at 50th and was saddened to learn of his passing.


09/02/14 07:12 AM #4    

Leslie Ann Aguillard ((spouse Is Ferenc Gyulafia))

Jim and I used to talk on the telephone a lot.  We were friends and when he moved west from Park Forest I was tempted to run away from home.  Although we did not stay in touch we did dance together at the 20 year reunion where he typically and confidently said "see what you could have had?"  Well, life is funny.  When I read that he had passed (on this reunion site) I was taken aback and sad.  I wished I knew more about his life. I have no doubt he was pretty happy, and he liked flying.  I seem to recall he had a small plane and lived in or near Las Vegas.  


go to top 
  Post Comment