James Allen Kopko, age 93, of East Tawas, MI passed away on March 13, 2023. Jim was born on September 18, 1929 in Detroit, MI to Michael and Fay Kopko. He graduated from U of D High School in 1947, and went on to Michigan State, earning a degree in journalism.
Jim was a veteran of the Korean War and was stationed in Germany where he learned a love of German beer and music. He was set up on a blind date with Patricia Louise Powell and they were married on January 28, 1956. Together they raised seven children.
Jim was an active father who made sure all of his children participated in family ice hockey, football, softball, waterskiing, and walks to “the Point.” He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and the great grands! His favorite place in the world was “the Cottage” on Lake Huron that he built in 1968. He loved the outdoors: snowmobiling, the beach, his 4-wheeler, gardening and planting trees. He immensely delighted in hosting family and friends at the Cottage. There was always music, inside and out. Jim loved dancing, singing along to tapes, playing the piano/keyboard and composing his own silly songs. Jim and Patty were fond of traveling and had many enjoyable trips together. Jim was forever young at heart and always ready for the next great adventure.
Jim’s belief in God was very important to him and he remained an example to his family of faithfulness to God and his Church until the end of his life. Jim’s joy of life and love of family will be missed, but we all look forward to seeing him again someday in Heaven.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patty Lou, of 40 years, his parents, and his sister, Phyllis. He is survived by his seven children: Katherine Stewart (Marc), Middlebury IN; Phyllis Hines (Larry), Sturgis, MI; Margaret Strawser (Rick), White Pigeon, MI; Jeanne Krakowiak (Dave), Livonia, MI; Jim (Kelly), Pickford, MI; John of Commerce Twp., MI; Kevin (Elizabeth), South Lyon MI; 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Fay Snyder (Jim) of Lufkin, TX and Karen Schultz (John) of Norwalk, CT, along with many cousins and friends.
Visitation will be at Buresh Funeral Home, 212 W. River Road, Oscoda on Friday, March 17th from 3-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Viewing will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Oscoda, MI at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 18, with funeral Mass at 11 a.m. and a luncheon to follow.
