James R Sopiarz

James R, Sopiarz, 20, of Gary IN, and of Lake Warren, Monmouth, Il passed away at 3:22 pm, Thursday, August 6, 2020 at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth, IL.

James was born December 30, 1999 in Joliet, IL the son of Matthew James and Jeanne Michele (Montgomery) Sopiarz.  He was raised and educated in Gary, IN graduating from Calumet New Tech High School, Gary, IN.

James worked at Menards in Gary, IN for 3 years as the assistant manager in the Millworks Dept.

He is a member of Annunciation & Agia Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church in Berrien County Michigan.  He also is a member of Izsak Walton.  James enjoyed sneakers, guns, gold and nice clothing. He treasured the time spent fishing with his grandfather at Lake Warren.

Survivors include his parents, Matthew and Jeanne Sopiarz of Gary, IN and Lake Warren, IL; 4 siblings, Philip J. Sopiarz, Rosalea M. Sopiarz, Thomas M. Sopiarz and Aleksander M. Sopiarz all of Gary, IN;  Maternal grandparents, Mary Jo (Gary) West of Peoria, IL, James (Linda) Montgomery of Erie, IL; paternal grandparent, Richard Sopiarz of Beecher, IL; many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He is also survived by his Godparents, Michael and Michotte Montgomery of Crown Point, IN; his girlfriend, Sarah Russell of Gary, IN. and his “Work Mom”, Karen Taborski of Gary, IN.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Judith Sopiarz.

Funeral services will be 4:00 pm Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be from 1:00-4:00 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the James Sopiarz Memorial Fund https://www.paypal.me/JeanneSopiarz . Cremation will take place following the services. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and requirements, all attendees are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.