Obituary for James G. Loeper
James (Jim) G. Loeper, a proud and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of Wyomissing, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2021.
For 70 years, Jim was the loving husband of Philomena (Paolini) Loeper, who predeceased him on April 19, 2020.
He is survived by six children: Thomas J., Crest Hill, IL; Rev. David J., Pastor of St. John the Baptist, Pottsville; Judy A. Dell (Dennis), Sinking Spring; Ann M. Melzer (Andrew), Sinking Spring; John R., New York; and Joseph R. (Michele), Wyomissing; seven grandchildren: Andrew, Sarah, Megan, Stephen, Alyssa, James, and Ryan; and four great-grandchildren: Owen, Anthony, Cameron, and Isabella. He is predeceased by one son: Michael.
Born in Reading, PA, he was a son of the late Leo J. Loeper and Agnes (Thren) Loeper. Jim was blessed to be one of four children: Bernard J. and Edward T. (both deceased) and Louise Cottrell-Cawley of Wyomissing.
Jim was a 1947 graduate of Central Catholic High School. After high school, he served in the Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was employed as an electrical designer for Gilbert Associates for 44 years before retiring in 1991.
He was an avid musician and played saxophone and clarinet with a local orchestra in the late 1940s and ’50s. In 1960, he formed the Jimmy Loeper Orchestra performing at many social events and clubs in the area for 25 years. In 1985, he formed the band “Spin-Offs.” He served on the executive board of Local 135-211 American Federation of Musicians.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the food pantry of the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o St. Ignatius Rectory 2810 Saint Albans Dr., Reading, PA 19608.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is honored to serve the Loeper family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.
For 70 years, Jim was the loving husband of Philomena (Paolini) Loeper, who predeceased him on April 19, 2020.
He is survived by six children: Thomas J., Crest Hill, IL; Rev. David J., Pastor of St. John the Baptist, Pottsville; Judy A. Dell (Dennis), Sinking Spring; Ann M. Melzer (Andrew), Sinking Spring; John R., New York; and Joseph R. (Michele), Wyomissing; seven grandchildren: Andrew, Sarah, Megan, Stephen, Alyssa, James, and Ryan; and four great-grandchildren: Owen, Anthony, Cameron, and Isabella. He is predeceased by one son: Michael.
Born in Reading, PA, he was a son of the late Leo J. Loeper and Agnes (Thren) Loeper. Jim was blessed to be one of four children: Bernard J. and Edward T. (both deceased) and Louise Cottrell-Cawley of Wyomissing.
Jim was a 1947 graduate of Central Catholic High School. After high school, he served in the Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was employed as an electrical designer for Gilbert Associates for 44 years before retiring in 1991.
He was an avid musician and played saxophone and clarinet with a local orchestra in the late 1940s and ’50s. In 1960, he formed the Jimmy Loeper Orchestra performing at many social events and clubs in the area for 25 years. In 1985, he formed the band “Spin-Offs.” He served on the executive board of Local 135-211 American Federation of Musicians.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the food pantry of the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o St. Ignatius Rectory 2810 Saint Albans Dr., Reading, PA 19608.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is honored to serve the Loeper family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.