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BORN
1943
DIED
2024
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James Pappas Obituary
February 21, 1943 - April 10, 2024
Belleville, Illinois - James Christopher Pappas, Jr., 81, of Belleville, IL, born February 21, 1943, in East St. Louis, IL, died peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Mr. Pappas taught religion and music at Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville for more than 20 years. Continuing to see and hear from former students was one of the great joys of his life. After leaving teaching, he worked in real estate sales for many years.
Mr. Pappas was a member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Belleville. An avid singer, he was for many years a member of the SIU-E Community Choral Society, as well as his parish choir. He served on the Catholic Committee on Scouting and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Pappas was preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr. and Lynn, nee Krauss, Pappas.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rose Marie, nee Ax, Pappas, whom he married on June 30, 1972; a son, James C. III (Jennifer) Pappas of Sewanee, TN; two daughters, Margaret (Michael) Klein and Elizabeth Pappas, both of Belleville, IL; three grandchildren, James C. Pappas IV, Michelle Klein, and Hailey Kessler; a brother, George (Josephine) Pappas of Belleville, IL; and many other family and friends.
The family would like to thank Sidney, Felicia, and everyone else at Heartland Hospice for the excellent care they provided in the final months.
Memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Heartland Hospice, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends and family may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB and Msgr. Jack McEvilly concelebrating.
A private burial was held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Pappas
Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
2 Entries
Frank Cange
May 14, 2024
Mr. Pappas was one of my band teachers at ACHS back in the 1970's. He personally took a lot to time to give me private trumpet lessons at the old bandroom at ACHS and made me a better trumpet player. I really appreciated the time he took to make me better. I was wondering how he was doing, sorry to hear of his passing. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Francis Cange
Dale and Donna Schrage
April 21, 2024
I knew Jim and Rose from high school. He was one of the good guys. We offer our condolences to Rose and the family.
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Funeral services provided by:
Renner Funeral Homes - Belleville120 North Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220
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