JAMES P. PAPE, age 72
of New Bremen, died on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 1:41 A.M. at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center after a sudden illness. He was born on September 16, 1948 in Celina, the son of the late Paul L. and Margaret A. (Ritter) Pape. On October 9, 1971 he married Madonna Niekamp, who survives in New Bremen. Also surviving are his children Tracy (Mike) Steinke of Wapakoneta, and Steve (Becky) Pape of New Bremen, his grandchildren Madison and Claire Pape, Ben, Lexa, and Meg Steinke, his brothers John Pape of Minster, and Jeff (Kathy) Pape of New Bremen, his mother in-law Hilda (Eckstein) Niekamp, and brother and sister in-laws: Bob (Rita) Niekamp, Lois (Tim) McKibans, Susie (Jeff) McCollum, Joe (Caryn) Niekamp, Rick (Sue) Niekamp, and Elaine (Todd) Meineke. Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his father in-law Cletus Niekamp, and brother and sister in-laws: Barbara Meiring, David Niekamp and Janet Pape.
Jim was a lifetime member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, and he was the eighth child of the newly formed church to be baptized into Christ on September 26, 1948. He was a 1967 graduate of New Bremen High School. He went on to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he was awarded numerous medals for his service including the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. Over the years, he worked for Henschen Industrial, Goodyear, and later Crown Equipment Corp. in New Bremen for 28 years, retiring in 2010. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman teaching his children and later his grandchildren the sports. His grandchildren were a true joy in his life, and he enjoyed attending their various sporting and music events, and taking them mushroom hunting. Jim was basically an honorary employee at Bolly’s, helping to get things set up and started each morning with his other coffee buddies. He was also known to take a few trips around New Bremen each day in his truck. He was a retired honorary member of the New Bremen German Twp. Fire Department, and a member of the New Bremen American Legion Post 241.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 1:30 P.M. at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, with Rev. Fr. Thomas Dorn and Deacon Greg Bornhorst officiating. Interment will follow with full military honors in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, prior to the Mass at church from Noon until the time of services. The family asks that masks be worn and social distancing respected at all services. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or the charity of donor’s choice.
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Roger and Cheryl Barlage says
September 30, 2020 at 4:59 pmDonna and family- our sympathy to everyone on the loss of Jim. Prayers and hugs during the difficult time. May God be with you🙏
Cheryl micheal says
September 30, 2020 at 8:30 pmMy day was always made when jim and barney were waiting outside bollys on me to open. They did help me set up the coffee and shared plenty of laughs together. I am so sorry for the families loss of a great guy. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help out in any way.
Brandi says
September 30, 2020 at 9:07 pmJim was always such a good guy to everyone that knew him and he will be missed tremendously at the restaurant. Things will never be the same without him there and the remaining guys have some big shoes to fill! He will be forever missed and always in our hearts! So sorry for the family’s loss and we will always be here if you ever need anything ❤
Charley and Deb Steinbrunner says
September 30, 2020 at 11:24 pmDonna, family and extended family, you all have Deb and my deepest sympathy. As everyone is saying,Jim left a lasting impression as a great guy with that unique way of telling a joke and then that funny special smile. Prays and may Jim rest in peace
Deb Barhorst says
October 1, 2020 at 6:31 amDonna and family, I’m so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers to your family In this difficult time!🙏🏻
Donald L Kuck says
October 1, 2020 at 8:48 amLost someone you grew up with and a classmate, Jacqui and I send our condolences on this very sad moment to the entire Pape and Niekamp families. You all take care of each other.
Dean and Kate Hartwig says
October 1, 2020 at 9:17 amDonna, please know you and your entire family have our deepest sympathy. What a loss to all who knew and loved him! He will always be remembered for his friendly, smiling face.
Larry & Janice Smith says
October 1, 2020 at 10:13 amDonna – please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Dave & Kathy Bergman says
October 1, 2020 at 12:46 pmDonna – we are so sorry for your loss. May the angels surround Jim and the saints welcome him home. God bless you and your family.
Lori Garman says
October 1, 2020 at 1:41 pmDonna & family, Pape’s and Niekamp families. May God hold you ever so tightly during this difficult time. My heart and prayers are with all of you. Jim was a remarkable person and loved by everyone. Hugs to you all!!
Ray and JoAnne Meckstroth says
October 1, 2020 at 7:31 pmA great guy that will be greatly missed, not only his family but many people in the area who knew him. Always ready with a smile. So sorry for your loss.
Mike & Rosie Shelby says
October 3, 2020 at 11:33 amDonna our Deepest Sympathy to you and the entire Pape and Niekamp families. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time🙏
William P Brandewie says
October 4, 2020 at 8:12 amMy deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family
Taps and soldier salute to you sir
May you rest in peace Jim, and Godspeed to those with waiting arms above
Rita and Ron Kremer says
October 12, 2020 at 2:51 pmDonna, Ron and I will keep you in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy to your family .
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