James Edward Karper

James was born to Carl Joseph and Agnes Lucille Duffy Karper in Alliance, Ohio in 1935. As a young boy, he moved with his parents from Ohio to California and was raised in San Bernardino County. Growing up he and his parents were involved with Newmark Little League (Carl Karper Field is named after his father), and he had a lifelong love for tennis and bowling.

James was a Veteran and dedicated member of the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Bitburg Air Base in Germany during part of his military service, serving as an Air Policeman, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was an avid auto mechanic, working on cars for his entire adult life, and was known for his auto repair projects and love of old cars. His children and grandchildren loved to hear the stories from his drag racing days.

James was a loving husband and caring father. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Charlotte Brinkman Karper, children - Jeanette Aguirre, Edward Karper, Carl (Wendy) Karper, James (Candice) Karper, Janice Sexton Karper, Patrick Karper, Debbie Carter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Delbert (Rolann) Karper, brother-in-law Fred Brinkman, sister-in-law Sue Caddock Brinkman, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lucille Karper, brothers - James Quincy Karper, Edwain Lawrence Karper, Donald Carl Karper, mother and father-in-law, Cornelius "Case" and Johanna Brinkman, brother-in-law, Dirk “Brink” Brinkman, and son-in-law, Chris Carter.

Interment and military rites will be performed on August 16, 2023, at 10:15 am at Riverside National Cemetery, located at 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Karper Family using the links below.