James Robert Coppoletti

SAN DIEGO, CA. - James Robert Coppoletti, 69, of San Diego passed away Saturday, October 8, 2011, in Rose Medical Center, Denver, CO, after a brief illness while visiting friends. Born December 15, 1941, in Rockford, IL., to Samuel and Violet (Westlund) Coppoletti. Jim graduated from East High School in 1959.

Jim was a fun loving individual who preferred the constant warm sunny climate in California to the cold and snowy Midwest. Jim lived in Hawaii for a year living on a number of the islands. He was an avid tennis player for many years and enjoyed playing pool with friends. Private aviation was a favorite hobby and he enjoyed flying with his friends. Weight lifting and physical fitness were very important to him all his life. Early in his life he worked in the family hardware store and later the family grocery store. Prior to his retirement Jim worked as an ironworker in Rockford and San Diego. Jim enjoyed conversations with friends and family, especially telling and retelling old stories full of fun about growing up in a large family.

Jim will be dearly missed by his many friends and his family. Sisters; Joan (Rodney) Maxwell of Chicago, Diane (Jack) Weston of Gaylord, MI and Debbi Sainsbury, of Canton, MI. Brothers; Gordon (Nancy) of Lake Geneva, WI, Dr. Richard (Karen) of Rockford, IL., and Dr. Sam (DeLynn) of Cincinnati;OH, and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and sister Jean.

Gathering of remembrance from 10:00 a.m. until noon, Saturday, November 26, 2011 in Sundberg Funeral Home, Ltd., 215 N. Sixth St., Rockford, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment in Calvary Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.