James ‘Jim’ Kopp Dec. 9, 1933 – March 5, 2018

Published 12:28 pm Tuesday, March 27, 2018

James “Jim” Kopp, 84, of Seneca died at his home on March 5.

Kopp was born in Mount Kisco, New York, Dec. 9, 1933. His parents died when he was very young. He quit school in the sixth grade, but was self taught. He went to work with his uncle on the fishing boats back east in his early years. He married and had four children, later divorcing. He continued his life education by studying, taking classes and reading.

Kopp moved to Alaska and became a trapper. He married a woman by the name of Masanga, and held fond memories throughout his life for her. They had one son, who was lost while they were on a seal hunt. He and Masanga later divorced.

Kopp then married Izzy. Together they enjoyed trapping and finding artifacts in archaeological sites and more. They too later divorced, but always kept in touch.

For a time he worked and managed the Rainier brewery plant in Seattle, Washington. Kopp was also a helicopter pilot in Nicaragua. He was what they called a “flintknapper,” and handcrafted blades out of obsidian. This craft dates back thousands of years and has been practiced by cultures around the world.

Kopp was an artist who painted beautiful scenery. He sketched, made ceramic pieces and enjoyed woodworking. He made several wood pieces for his home, including a kitchen table and bookshelves. He enjoyed listening to classical music when he was working in his shop. He loved the taste of Hamm’s beer, and he rolled his own cigarettes until the day he died. He moved to Seneca 20 years ago and was embraced by it.

He was preceded in death by two sons.

He is survived by his children, Ray Kopp, Cherylee Hack, Darlene Dos Santos and Kerry Clady; sister Jane and Gary Pantry of Bermuda; longtime friends Tammy Cartner and Rick Saul; ex-wife but always a close friend Izzy Kopp; and Sue Holiday, who never failed to bring him a Christmas dinner.

Honoring Kopp’s request, he will be resting at Glass Butte in Harney County. For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Kopp, the family suggests Hope 4 Paws: Grant County through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences may be shared at tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.