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James Earl Soper, Age 69 of Kingsley died June 17, 2018 at his home.

He was born on September 10, 1948 in Traverse City, Michigan the son of the late Bert & Emeline (Nelson) Soper. Jim attended Glen Lake School and served in the United States Army during Vietnam. He married Judy Thorington on January 25, 1992 at the Cadillac Assembly of God, where he was baptized that same year.

Jim was employed for 37 years at Cherry Growers in Grawn until his retirement in 2014. His hobbies included fishing, kayaking, riding motorcycles, fixing cars, playing darts (He was a champion dart thrower), mudbogs, demolition derby, and stock car racing.

He is survived by his wife Judy, son; James J. (Bridget) Soper of Kingsley, daughters; Tina (Jeff) Willingham of Traverse City, Tabby Grames & Angie Merritt both of Cadillac, brothers; Bill Soper of Kalkaska, Calvin Soper of Mesick, Elwood (April) Soper of Kingsley, John (Cheryl) Soper of Tennessee, Will Randall of Tennessee, & Ben (Shelly) Thorington of Grawn, and sisters; Alberta Jakee & Sarah Daniels both of Kingsley. Jim has twelve grandchildren, four great grandchildren with one on the way. Special mention of very close lifelong friendshsip with Janet & All Dallas of Goetzville, MI and Jan & Dick Rytkonen of Traverse City.
Jim was a special man and mentor or father figure to many of his nieces and nephews for three generations. He thought of them all and treated them as his own. His nephews Eric Soper, Richard Soper, Tony Zeeryp, and Anthony Jacot were especially important to him. He spent a lot of time with them having fun and making memories.

Jim was also preceded in death by a sister; Dolly Guest.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 14, 2018 at Jim’s home, 1312 E. Blair Town Hall Road in Kingsley, MI 49649 starting at 5:00 pm with Military Honors.

Please visit Jim’s personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a story or memory.

Arrangements by the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.

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