Lester James “Jim” Sopher, 65, of Lakeview, passed away unexpected Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. James was born April 3, 1954, in Marion. He was the son of the late Lester E. Sopher and Patricia A. Campbell Johnson. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karyn Marie Sopher and stepfather, David R. Johnson Sr.
Jim is survived by three children, Jeremy Lee James (Jamie) Sopher and Krissy Ann Sopher, both of Bellefontaine, and Kelly Lou Sopher of Dayton; 16 grandchildren, Lucas Hill-Sopher, Landon Sopher, Clayton Sopher, Byron Sopher, Jaxon Sopher, Brookiah Bunley, Je’Ree Sopher, Tariq Sopher, Gavin Brinkman, Kiersten Brinkman, Rylee Brinkman, Drew Grumbling, Philip Grumbling, Daniel Grumbling, Amillia Grumbling, and Jessica Grumbling; two great grandchildren, Mallorie Sopher, and Roman Bunley; three siblings, Patricia Hodshire of Granite City, Ill., Danny Johnson and David Johnson, both of Belleville, Ill; former spouse and mother of his children, Kimberly Sopher; and several nieces and nephews.
Jim was a 1972 graduate of Wheatland High School in California. He worked at Honda of America Engine Plant in Anna and retired in 2008 after 23 years. Jim was a member of Indian Lake Eagles Aeries #3615, Indian Lake Moose Lodge #1533, and Sons of Amvets Post #39, all in Lakeview. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, working on cars and engines, being outdoors, camping and fishing, listening to live music, and spending time with friends.
Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Shoffstall Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St, Lakeview. Visitation is from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Condolences can be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview.