James V. Schaper's Obituary
Big Rapids - James V. Schaper, 67, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital. He was born January 3, 1947, in Saginaw, the son of William and Mary (Smith) Schaper, and graduated from Saginaw Douglas McArthur High School in 1965. From 1968 - 1972, Jim served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Constellation. On June 1, 1974, Jim married Marlene Lobdell, and they lived in Midland until moving to Big Rapids in 1997. For over 35 years, Jim worked as a Customer Service Technician for the Xerox Corporation until retirement. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids. Jim was also an Eagle Scout, and served as Scoutmaster as well. He also loved to sail, and enjoyed model trains and sailboats. Jim is survived by his wife Marlene; 2 children, Karen (Jake) Ripke of Big Rapids, Mike (Dee) Schaper of Sterling; two grandchildren, Trent and Alexis Schaper; 2 sisters, Lynne Johnson of Ann Arbor, and Nancy Schaper of Chicago; his brother Bill (Carol) of Chelsea; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 12:00 pm, Monday, May 19, 2014 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. Burial will be in the Hersey Village Cemetery. Jim's family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. on Monday until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church or the American Diabetes Association of Michigan.
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