James Michael Loper

James Michael Loper was born on October 29,1953 and passed away at age 70 on May 30, 2024. He battled a long illness with strength and grace and was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

Mike was born in Shelby, MS. He met his wife, Melissa Wilkerson, through mutual friends in Memphis, TN. They were married in 1976 and lived in eastern Arkansas, where they had their two daughters: Alison and Anna. Mike and Melissa moved their family to Springfield, MO in the early 90s, where they have remained.

Mike was strong-willed and passionate, but also had an enormous heart and was wonderfully kindhearted. He was clever, loyal, and brave. Mike was full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences. He could build and fix anything, and had a keen understanding of business and mechanics.

Family was his first priority; he was a caring husband and father, known for helping his daughters with home improvements, landscaping, and teaching them valuable life skills. Mike was lovingly referred to as "Pa" by grandsons Calloway and Ari and granddaughter Elliott. He especially adored his "grandbabies" and cherished every moment with them. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Mike valued his son-in-law Ryan and relished their time together, especially planning and executing home projects. Mike also shared an unbreakable bond with his mother-in-law Betty, whom he loved dearly.

Mike's hobbies were rich and varied. He was an outdoor enthusiast and spent much of his life fishing and water-skiing on Norfork Lake with his family and friends. He enjoyed camping, kayaking, and spending time at his lake property. He also had a penchant for history, photography, and cooking.

His memory will forever be held in the hearts of his family and friends: his wife of 47 years Melissa, daughter Alison Walter and her husband Ryan, daughter Anna Loper, grandchildren Calloway, Elliott, and Ari Walter, mother-in-law Betty Wilkerson, niece Amber Clayton and husband John and their children Harriet and Charleston, late brother Mitchell Loper, brother Robert Loper and wife Margaret Loper, nephews Andy, Robert, Michael, Thomas, Eric, and Evan, plus many friends who loved and cared deeply for him.

A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Encompass Academy at 2616 E. Battlefield Rd, Springfield, MO 65804, or copy and paste the following link:

https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/cGXN5uFJDjtSyu8CLbb9TA?t=1717448413