James Tschappat

On September 6, 2011 at 5:50 A.M., James Edward Tschappat, 81 of Mattoon, Illinois, after a life filled with love, peacefully stepped into heaven. James was born November 22, 1929 in Hebron, Illinois to Ben and Lillian Tschappat. One of five children, he had a brother Lyle, and three sisters, Helen Butler, Grace Shofroth and Doris Tschappat. He in turn fathered four children in marriage with Barbara Beard.

James graduated from Aledo High School and joined the Illinois Army National Guard. He was a proud Korean War Veteran. After an honorable discharge in 1954, he worked a Lohse Auto Parts, and then went to Monroe Auto Equipment Company to become a salesman for a three state district. After thirty years of service, he retired. James was a consummate salesman; entertaining, engaging, with a twinkle in his eye and a story on the tip of his tongue. He enjoyed his family, any form of electronics, and playing hearts.

He leaves behind one sister, Grace Shofroth, son Andrew, daughters, Laurel Molgaard, Ellen Green and Carol Diener, ten grandchildren and two great grandsons. He will be met in heaven by his brother, Lyle, sisters, Doris and Helen and granddaughter Jennifer. We are quite sure there is one fantastic game of hearts going on in heaven right now.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, September 9, 2011 at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois.

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