James Casper

Born September 6, 1946, in Bellefonte, Penn., to Henry W. Casper and June Marie Hoover Moyer.

Rodney spoke often of his love for family and growing up on Reynolds Ave. He was an avid hunter and fisherman from the start. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country for 6 years as Military Police. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife, “Nina.” Of course, their first date was fly fishing in Rapid City SD, where he was stationed. They went on to have two children, Jeri Sue and Bobby. After service to the country, he went to work for NCR Corporation and then Huffy Bikes as a computer operator in the Dayton, Ohio, area. He moved the family to Michigan City, Ind., to work for Polaron, Interstate Trucking, Sullair, Joy Mfg., and ultimately became a police officer for the town for 15 years. This led him to become a paramedic and he was appointed as Coroner for Laporte County. During these years, he was very active as a Search & Rescue Scuba Diver, was a semi-pro bowler, umpired high school and Notre Dame college baseball, and played racquetball, handball, and softball in his spare time. As a policeman, he and his family opened their home to 14 foster children who needed emergency housing or long-term care.

They followed their daughter to West Virginia where “Casper,” as he was known by all who worked with him, became a WV State Police Dispatcher, and then spent his last 21 years leading to retirement working for the Beckley VA Medical Center. Casper became known for his flashy Hawaiian shirts, big smile, and friendly personality by coworkers and patients. He loved people and people loved him. He loved to play Bridge at the GFWC Woman’s Club in Beckley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Robert Moyer (step-father), and Michael Howard Casper (brother).

Those left to carry on the joy he left behind are Linda Lee (Mudd) Casper, his wife of 57 years; his sister, Abigail (Darrell) Steffensmeier, Boalsburg, Penn; sister-in-law, Barbara Casper, Bellefonte, Penn; his daughter, Jeri (Christopher) Knowlton, Crab Orchard, WVa.; his son Robert (Taren) Casper, Tucson, Ariz.; and 5 grandkids and 10 great grandkids.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association or to Hospice of Southern WV, in memory of James Rodney Casper. The family also encourages you to put on a Hawaiian shirt and spread joy.

Per his wishes, Rodney’s ashes will be placed at the foot of his tree stand, where he hunted for over 60 years.

Arrangements are by Blue Ridge Funeral Home.