Shrewsbury – James Stras Koopman, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Braintree and Canon City, Colo., died at home Sunday, April 19, 2015. He was 78.
Jim was born Dec. 9, 1936 in Oklahoma City, Okla., a son of the late Charles and June (Boughman) Koopman. A graduate of the John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City, he then honorably served his country in the United States Air Force and Marines.
He married Joy Anne Gardner on July 3, 1970 in the Unitarian Church in Milton. They had been residents of Braintree for many years and retired to Canyon City, Colo. in 1992. They moved to Shrewsbury just last year.
Jim worked for over 25 years as a driver for the Christian Science Monitor Publishing Company in Boston before retiring.
He had a passion for the outdoors whether it be hunting or fishing. He was also active in youth sports in Braintree on the little league and youth soccer teams.
He leaves his wife of almost 45 years, Joy A. Gardner; his sons, David D. Koopman and his fiancé Audra A. Kelliher, all of Shrewsbury, and James M. Koopman and his wife Karen of South Weymouth; his grandchildren, Emma and Jackson Koopman; and his sisters, Charlene Bradburn of Colorado and Judith Anderson of Oklahoma and the late Diane Koopman, and is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Jim’s life Saturday, April 25 at the Mountain View Cemetery, Boylston Street (Route 140), Shrewsbury, where his graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. There are no calling hours.
Memorials in his name may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.
