THOMPSONVILLE -- Jim Kopec, 56, of Springfield, passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at his home with his family by his side. Jim was born Dec. 14, 1956, in Chicago, the son of Joseph Vincent and Lois Jean Marie (Schmidt) Kopec. After the family moved to Southern Illinois, Jim graduated from Thompsonville High School. Jim graduated in 1981 from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, with a BS degree in special physical education. Jim taught at The Hope Institute (formerly Hope School), water safety instruction at the YWCA of Springfield, pre-school at First Baptist Church Day Care, and adaptive physical education for Springfield School District 186. He also served as the assistant swim coach for Springfield Southeast High School Boys Swim Team. Before working for District 186, he helped manage The TumbleBus where the many children affectionately called him "Mr. Jim." Jim married Ruth Ellen (Morgan) White on June 12, 1989, and they shared 23 years together. They have one son, Shawn of Springfield. Jim was a past member of Harvard Park Baptist Church. Jim's hobbies and interests were wide and varied. He was a member of the Springfield Underwater Search and Rescue Team (SUSART) from 1982 until the time of his death having served most recently as Commander. Jim was a past member of the Springfield Jaycees, frequently working on the annual Haunted House where he was known for building confusing and frightening mazes. He enjoyed coaching and judging gymnastics and tumbling. Jim served four years with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Master for Troop 217. He was a current member of the Illinois and American Alliances for Health, Education, Recreation and Dance. Jim enjoyed constructing and flying radio-controlled planes and helicopters, and driving radio-controlled trucks and cars. He also enjoyed camping and canoeing with friends and family. Jim was a kind and loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He leaves behind his wife, Ruth; son, Shawn of Springfield; brothers, John and wife, Pam, and Jerome and wife, Patty; sister, Julie and partner, Alice; brother-in-law, Paul Morgan; sister-in-law, Dawne Lyons and husband, Louis; several nieces and nephews; and very dear friend Sheila McClung. He was preceded in death by both parents. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, in Harvard Park Baptist Church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Springfield. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to SUSART, American Cancer Society (Western Division) or American Heart Association. Church location is 2401 S. Nineth St., Springfield, IL 62703. The Kopec family is being served by Moran and Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on February 28, 2013