James Sopira

James W. “Bill” Sopira, 78, of Aledo, IL died Monday, July 19, 2021 at Genesis East in Davenport, Iowa.  Graveside services are 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021 in the National Cemetery on the Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL.  There is no visitation.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Gary Sinise Foundation.  Those wishing to attend must meet at Fippinger Funeral Home in Aledo at 11:30 a.m. prior to services.

Bill was born August 16, 1942 in Aledo, IL to Theodore and Phyllis Perrin Sopira.  He graduated from Kewanee High School in 1960.  He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in Normal.

He served in the United States Marine Corps for most of his career and was a Vietnam War veteran.

Survivors include one sister, Elizabeth (Shawn) Kirkley of Smithfield, Utah:  eight nieces and nephews along with cousins Richard Perrin of Sherrard, Susan (Tom) Perrin-Sallak of Le Claire, Iowa, Steve (Debbie) Perrin of Rock Island, and Terry Perrin of Tucson, Arizona. He is also survived by his good friend, Juli Anderson of Aledo.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the kind and caring staff at Genesis ICU for their compassion and kindness.