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James LOPEZ Obituary
James was born March 21, 1960, in San Diego, California, to James and Edith (Vogt) Lopez. James moved with his parents at the age of 8 to Springfield, Ohio. He is a lifelong resident of Springfield with family ties in West Virginia. Jim never met a stranger. He was a friend to all and a man with such a great sense of humor. He could make you laugh within seconds of meeting you. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching all the sports but mostly those of his children and his grandchildren. He was a coach for CYO soccer and football. He was a track coach for Catholic Central High School. He was Catholic Central High School, biggest football fan when his son Sam played. Jim's food service history began in 1968 working with his parents at the first Taco Bell here in Springfield. He was the manager of the Tunnel Drive Thru in the early years which was owned by his family along with Jim's Coney Island with his parents and sister. He then went to work at Honda of America where he met lifelong friends. He was the owner of Jim's to Go. He started the first food truck food business in Springfield, which everyone knew as the Coney Wagon which sat on Main St. Lastly before he retired due to health problems, he owned BigJim's Coney's and Subs where he had the philosophy of "One Coney at a Time". He is survived by his four children Nicole (Scott) Miller, James Lopez Ill, Laura (Shane) DeLaet and Samuel (Randi) Lopez; eight grandchildren, Leah Miller, Will Lopez, Eli Delaet, Isabella Lopez, Ian Delaet, Ellie Miller, Edy Delaet and Isla Lopez; his sister Nancy (Russ) Tuggle; his former wife of 30 years, Lee Ann Lopez; and his beloved dogs Buster and Lucky. He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, aunts, and uncles. Memorial contributions can be made to Clark County SPCA at 21 Walter Street Springfield, Ohio 45506. Friends and family may call on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 5PM -7PM at RICHARDS, RAFF, & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME, 838 E. High St., Springfield, Ohio where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 10AM with Deacon Norm Horstman officiating. Interment to follow in the Ferncliff Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for James LOPEZ
Sponsored by Richards, Raff & Dunbar Memorial Home.
Brooks
November 24, 2024
maybe even a strawberry milkshake from time to time he moved around a couple few times but I always stopped where he was at and filled up
Stacy Orndorff-Ryan
August 4, 2022
Leanne, & Nancy and family. So sorry for your loss. Jim always made us feel welcomed and like family at the restaurant not just customers. Miss our birthday cakes from schulers Jim or Nancy would sneak over to get for us.
Jim you will be missed for your smile & jokes.
Michael Stewart
August 3, 2022
My wife and I met Jim when I taught his sister, Nancy, in fifth grade at the first Taco Bell. He was always friendly, smiling, and made each person/customer feel important. He will be missed.
Dion R Nolcox
August 2, 2022
I send my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to Jim's family and friends at his transition.
I went to North High School with Jim and was a member of the football team on which we played together for two years. He was a positive team builder and kept the locker room in stitches.
He will be missed.
Edith Connell
August 2, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He brought lots of laughter to all of us and I know he will be missed by many.
Rick Bruce
July 31, 2022
Offering my deepest condolences to the Lopez Family. May Jimmy Rest in Peace.
Bill and Linda Gast
July 31, 2022
We want to extend our sincerest condolences to Sam and Randi and their children, as well as Lee Ann and the rest of Jim´s family. We first met Jim Jr. when his father first opened Taco Bell. We went there often and Jim Sr. would always play with our son, setting him on the counter and bantering back and forth with him, whenever we went to order. Jim Jr. was so much like his dad in respect to how he treated his customers as friends, as opposed to just customers. We would then go to Jim´s Sandwich Shop and saw Jim and Nancy working right along Jim Sr. And Mrs. Lopez. We watched his progress and grow over the years. We frequented the food truck as well, when Jim opened it. And then, of course, we were frequent customers when he opened his place on Mitchell Blvd. This is where we met Sam and Randi, and actually, they both followed Jim Sr. and Jim Jr.´s philosophy of treating customers like they were MORE than just a customer. Jim always remembered who we were and knew what we even ordered on a regular basis. He will definitely be missed by many, who, over the years, became dedicated customers and friends. Again, Sam and Randi, our hearts go out to you! We will see you, I´m sure, at Lee Ann´s soon! Jim, Rest In Peace!
Sharon Whitmore
July 31, 2022
Sorry for your loss Lee Ann and Family. RIH
Danielle Reeves
July 30, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. My heart goes out to the Lopez family. Jim was a good man and he will be greatly missed. Words can't express the loss.
Tammy (Benge) Eaton
July 29, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
My sisters and I knew "Jimmy" since were all young kids. We all worked for Mr. and Mrs. Lopez. Wonderful and kind family. Will miss Jimmy's sense of humor and big smile. May he rest in heaven.
debbie bowsher
July 28, 2022
Jim was a great guy, knew everyone. He is going to be missed .
Ann Garrity
July 28, 2022
What a great man! I will miss seeing his smile and the light he would bring wherever he was. I can only image the pain you are feeling and my prayers are for you.
Julie Weaver and family
July 28, 2022
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Jimmy he will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched. My condolences and prayers to the Lopez family.
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