James D. Hoepker Obituary
Rest in Peace
James Dean Phillip Hoepker was born February 28, 1935 on the family farm in Elkton, Illinois where he was raised. He was the fourth child of seven children and third son of Dan and Esther (Seefeldt) Hoepker. James departed this life on June 8, 2024, with his best friend Karen Nedbalek at his side. Jim was active in FFA and graduated from high school in 1953. After high school James received a scholarship to attend University of Illinois where he attended 3 semesters majoring in Mathematics and Engineering. Shortly after he moved to Colorado and joined his father in the booming carpentry industry as a framer. James met and married Helen Swift that later ended in divorce. To this union was born his only child Deana. He was married three other times but remained single for the last 38 years. In 1974, James moved to Idaho and worked as a framer both independently and for Gary Bond and Pat Alires. James passed his carpentry skills of 56 years on to his son-in-law, Randy Steel in 1994, and retired 5 years later, wintering in Arizona. His grandson, James Steel, also follows in the footsteps of a carpenter. James enjoyed playing Pinochle, Square dancing, hunting, and snowmobiling. He was a softball umpire in Twin Falls for many years. As an avid big game hunter the highlight of his life was going on a three week safari in Africa and tagging 42 elk in Colorado and Idaho. He is preceded in life by his parents, and two brothers-in-law, Erwin Schilling and Edward Schaag. Celebrating his life is his daughter, Deana (Randy) Steel, and grandson, James (Brandi) Steel, three great-grandchildren, Terrance, Teegan, and Trinity, his siblings, Juanita Schilling, Donald (Mary) Hoepker, Daniel (Shirley) Hoepker, Carolyn Schaag, Luetta (Phil) Marsh, and Nancy (Richard) Wright, and host of nieces and nephews, and his dear friend, Karen Nedbalek. Mr. Hoepker requested to be cremated and have no services
