James C. Kapper, 83, of Shumway, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at his home. Jim was born on October 21, 1939 in Olney, IL, the son of Cornelius and Johanna (Dumstorf) Kapper. He married Jeanne Keller on May 17, 1969.

Jim served in the United States Army. He worked as a substation electrician for Ameren CIPS. He always had a way with words, was witty, funny, and wise beyond his years. He will be missed by many and our hope is that his legacy, selflessness and love for his family will live on. He loved his wife and children, but his grandchildren were his true pride and joy. His grandkids will miss his constant teasing, well stocked cookie jar and weekly donut runs. Most importantly he was a man of God and undying faith.

He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and Effingham American Legion Post 120. He was also a Third Degree member of the Effingham Knights of Columbus.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jeanne Kapper of Shumway; children, Jamie (Kaori) Kapper of Japan, Susan (Matthew) Gillenwater of Effingham, Emily (Michael) Viverito of Effingham, and Jody (Matthew) Schumacher of Sigel; grandchildren, Emma, May, Marie, Maxwell, Owen, Henry, Ainsley, Lena, Abram, and Vincent; sisters, Janice Morgan, Mary Dowty, and Marjorie Blunt; and brothers, Gerald Kapper and Lester Kapper.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; and 3 sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2023 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

Johnson Funeral Home, Effingham, IL