James Martin Kloepfer Jr.

James Martin Kloepfer Jr., affectionately known as Butch, Jim, Jimmy, or Shaky, peacefully passed away in the company of his eldest granddaughter on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Glenbrook Hospital. At 90 years young, after a sudden decline in health, he spent a week in the hospital, surrounded by family in his final days.

Jim was born on September 11, 1934 in Evanston, IL, to Jeanetta and James Sr. He grew up enjoying his time with his siblings, cousins, and friends. He could often be found in the farm fields and frequently covered in hay. At 4 years old, he spent a year in the hospital with osteomyelitis before he was able to return home. He fondly regaled basking in his siblings’ attention and care as the baby of the family. According to him, he started driving professionally when he was 12 and was then constantly on the go. He finished school in the 8th grade, where he often operated more as a maintenance man than a student. Following a slew of odd jobs, he found his way to steel fabrication. He worked for over 40 years proudly contributing to the construction of buildings throughout the greater Chicago area, including Soldier Field and the Band Shell in Grant Park. Following retirement, he was often found around town checking in with old friends and assisting with any projects he could find.

In 1952, Jim met Joanne at a party in Northbrook after which he generously drove her home to Chicago. Their lives intertwined through their two friends Janet (Schneider) and Carol (Thalman). On April 6, 1957, Jim and Joanne were married at Irving Park Lutheran Church in Chicago. It was a beautiful day, though Joanne lovingly remembers worrying he might faint at the altar. Jim didn’t faint, but her cousin managed to get a bean stuck in Jim’s ear, leading to a trip to the ER on their wedding day. Jim and Joanne were blessed with three children: Dan, Jill, and Michael. He was like a kid himself making him a delightful father and grandfather. He encouraged his children (and others’) to race mini bikes, go-karts, and tractors around the neighborhood. While his kids were growing up, Jim loved coaching and refereeing hockey for over 10 years. The arrival of Jim’s grandchildren–Alicia, Walter, Megan, and Vanessa–was one of his greatest joys. They all treasure memories of him acting as a punching bag, a customer for a drive through restaurant, or even a client in a beauty parlor. He was often referred to as “the best grandpa ever.”

Beyond work, family, and friends, Jim filled his time watching the Bears and the Blackhawks, tinkering with cars, working on model trains, taking care of his home and yard, gardening, playing games on his computer, feeding the squirrels, telling stories (to anyone who would stop and listen), and completing puzzles with his wife. Additionally, he loved to eat chocolate, cookies, jelly bellies, drumstick ice cream, and just about any other sweets he could get his hands on.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Eleanor (Kale) Kloepfer; his sister-in-law Janet Kloepfer; his children Dan (Diane) Kloepfer, Jill Hubbard, and Michael Kloepfer; his grandchildren Alicia Hubbard, Walter Kloepfer, Megan Hubbard, and Vanessa Kloepfer; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and beyond. He was preceded in death by his parents James Martin Kloepfer Senior and Jeanetta Madeline Kloepfer; his siblings Richard (Lorraine) Kloepfer, Bob Kloepfer, Betty (Dwayne) Welch, and Nancy (John) Glass; his nephews Rocky Glass, David Kloepfer; and his niece Cindy Kloepfer.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL. Visitation will be from 1pm to 4pm followed by a short service at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.

In the days before going to the hospital Jim shoveled snow off his driveway and completed a puzzle with his wife. His final days were filled with the laughter of his family visiting him. His advice, directive, and farewell in every conversation is one we can all apply to our own lives: “Have Fun.”