Jim was born June 13, 1945 in Martins Ferry, Ohio and graduated from Martins Ferry High School. He then earned a BA in Education from Ohio University and a MA in Counseling from University of Akron. He started his career in Bellaire teaching 6th grade math (1965-1969) before moving to teach math at North Canton Hoover Middle School (1969-1972). Jim retired as a guidance counselor from Massillon Washington High School after 28 years of service (1972-2000).
Jim was a long time member of Central Community Church (Akron), where he was involved with Community Ministry programs, taught Adult Sunday School and 2nd and 3rd grade VBS, and cared for shut-ins. He was also a member of the North Canton Lions Club for more than 40 years. He served with Ohio Baptist Disaster Relief, Ohio Baptist Buckeye Builders, Massillon Education Loan Foundation, Massillon Distinguished Citizens Organization committee and North Canton Community Intervention committee. His special achievements include the Lions International Foundation: Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services and founder of the Obie Friends drug prevention program at Massillon Washington HS.
He is survived by Mary Puperi (wife), Dan and Kathy Puperi (son and daughter-in-law) of Austin, Texas, Joe and Jessica Puperi (son and daughter-in-law) of Findlay, Ohio, Linda and Jack Myers (sister and brother-in-law) of North Canton, Ohio, and Terry and Honey Puperi (brother and sister-in-law) of Belmont, Ohio. He is also survived by his grandchildren Katie, Bella, Andrew, Sam, and Matthew.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ambrose “Bud” Puperi and Mary Judith (Morando) Puperi.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 23rd 11 AM at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home (5000 Everhard Road NW, Canton).
Visitation will be Friday, November 22nd 6-8 PM and Saturday, November 23rd 10-11 AM at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome, or if you would like to make a donation in Jim’s honor please make donations to: Central Community Church c/o Community Meal Program, 919 Johnston Street, Akron, Ohio 44306
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