James L. Kopp

AUBURN | James L. Kopp was born Aug. 11, 1924 in Fredonia, N.Y.

He grew up there and graduated from Fredonia High School. In 1943, he enrolled in Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. He interrupted his college education to join the U.S. Army in 1943. He was a member of the 17th Airborne Division through basic training after which he was shipped to Europe where he joined the 4th Armored Division 37th tank battalion. He was part of the 3rd U.S. Army that invaded France and fought in France and part of Germany. While fighting in Germany, he suffered from trench feet and frozen feet which caused him to be sent to the U.S. for treatment. After some time he was released for regular duty and spent the rest of the war supervising troops who were headed to Japan.

After being released from the Army, he returned to Springfield College for a master's degree in science and physical education. In 1949, he married Donna Kraiger and they began a teaching career in Penn Yan, N.Y. In 1951, he was recalled into the Korean War and served until 1953. He was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant and spent his Korean War time training sergeants for platoon duty.

He returned to Penn Yan for two years before going to Corning to teach three years, then to Ovid Central School for three years, then to King Ferry, and finally to Southern Cayuga Central School. He served 19 years as superintendent of schools at Southern Cayuga Central Schools and retired in 1979.

During his retirement he served as interim superintendent in four schools for various times. Jim was a volunteer ambulance driver with the Poplar Ridge Fire Department. For many years he sang in the choir and was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in King Ferry. Jim was asked to be on the committee to set up the Community Medical Center in Aurora. He was happy to help establish the center and it has had wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff.

Jim and Donna lived in King Ferry for 55 happy years and most recently have resided at Bluefield Manor in Auburn. Jim is survived by his wife, Donna, and eight children, Kathy and Dan D., Steve and Joanne, Jeff and Gloria, Karen and Fred S., Bruce and Carin, Tom and Laura, Karla and John G., and Kaye and John M. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dave and his wife, Ellie; his wife's sister, Carol and her husband, Don, and her brother, Jack and his wife, Elaine; his cousin, Rex and his wife, Jean; five nephews and three nieces.

There are no calling hours. Services are private at the convenience of the family.

The family would encourage gifts in his memory to the King Ferry Presbyterian Church, Southern Cayuga Ambulance, or a charity of one's choice; no flowers please. Jim passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2014.