James Muskopf

Muskopf, James R., EdD. Fortified with the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, Jim passed away on July 5th at Nazareth Living Center, surrounded by family. Born on July 14, 1943, Jim was predeceased by his parents Carl and Helen (Doerner) Muskopf; father-in-law George Willman, mother-in-law Myrtle (Zollner) Willman, and brother-in-law Robert Willman. Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann (Willman); his brother, Donald, and sister-in-law, Margaret (Fower); his son, Christopher, and daughter-in-law, Nicole (Buehre); and his sister-in-law Robyn (Waters) Willman. Jim was a proud grandfather to Tristan and Eleanor. Jim was also an uncle, great uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to many.

A lifelong resident of St. Louis, Jim attended Froebel Elementary and Roosevelt High School. Jim earned his teacher’s certification from Harris-Stowe College, a Master’s Degree in Education from Michigan State, and an Education Specialist Degree and Doctor of Education Degree from St. Louis University. Jim began his teaching career in the St. Louis Public School District, but spent nearly 30 years in various roles as an employee of the Mehlville School District. Following his retirement from Mehlville in 1996, Jim served as an adjunct professor at Lindenwood University and St. Louis University before spending 10 years with the Graduate School at Fontbonne University. Jim devoted extensive time to youth athletics in the St. Louis area, helping found, direct, and/or coach in programs such as the Hi-Y program at the Kirkwood YMCA, the Carondelet Sunday Morning Athletic Club, Economy Fenton and Johnny Mac Fenton American Legion baseball, the South County Youth Sports Association (Hustler basketball and Johnny Mac baseball), and the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Association.

Jim’s wish was to have his body donated to medical science. Therefore, a memorial mass will be held on Saturday, July 15th, at 10:00 am at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (4900 Ringer Road, 63129). A reception will follow in the Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (9370 Olive Blvd, 63132; www.alz.org) or to the Nazareth Living Center (2 Nazareth Lane, 63129; www.nazarethlivingcenter.com).

5 Comments

  1. Kathryn Hackman on July 12, 2017 at 10:50 am

    Ruth and family,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jim had a kind soul and was a gentleman. Thank you for sharing him with us.
    Kathy Hackman
    Fontbonne University Academic Affairs



  2. Bonnie (Onder) Shulman on July 12, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    7/12/17 at 5:13 p.m.

    Jim was a very nice guy with a sense of humor…remembering him through our Harris Stowe College years and a good friend in the Mehlville School District where we both taught school for 30+ years. He will be remembered always.

    Please accept my deepest sympathy!
    Bonnie (Onder) Shulman



  3. Eileen Lesevoy on July 13, 2017 at 6:32 am

    Jim was one of my Assistant Principals @ Trautwein School somewhere between 1969-2005. He was a good man & a joy to be around so you can see that I have fond memories of him. I am so sorry to hear that he has passed away yet I hope this message will be of confort to his loved ones.



  4. Jim Fetsch on July 14, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    The Greater St. Louis Assc. of Umpires (GSLAU) wishes to send their deepest sympathies to the Muskopf Family.
    Jim was truly a “Rock” in the STL area when it came to youth sports. He has made a difference.
    1 Timothy 1:14



  5. Doris Eatherton on July 15, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    Deepest sympathy to you Ruth. Jim’s office as Assistant Principal at Trautwein was right next to the health room where I was the nurse. He was always a very busy and hard working guy.



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