Jim Popovich

Jim Popovich, 83, ort Mahomet, Ill. Passed away at 9:40 p.m., Thursday, August 29, 2024, after struggling with dementia and a massive heart attack.

He was born August 21, 1941, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania to the late Michael and Ann (Megyesi) Popovich.

He graduated from Canon-McMillan High School in 1959.

After graduation, he joined the Air Force, serving 4 years in Okinawa, Japan, and the United States.

He married his high school sweetheart on December 9, 1961, Jean Tomsic (Mary Jean), she survives.

After serving in the Air Force, he became an x-ray technician at Watseka Hospital. He then worked at Black & Co. Hardware and finally spent 30-plus years as a counter salesman at Tepper Electric Supply where her retired in 2007. After retiring he worked several jobs, the last being at the Brush Man, Mahomet, retiring in 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three cousins, several aunts and uncles, and his maternal grandmother.

His happiest times were watching his grandkids play their sports and having his children and grandchildren come for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Birthdays. To him, family came first, even before football and the Bears (except at Super Bowl Time). Having a cup of coffee, reading a good book, and going fishing with his grandkids were his favorite things to do.

Traveling to different places was always on his list to do, but for the last three years, he could not go.

He is survived by his wife Jean, sons, Tim Popovich, and Chris (Janice) Popovich, daughter, Mary Ann Popovich (Kevin) Swaim of Heyworth, grandchildren, Zachary, Seth, and Ethan Popovich, Cole and Kyle Popovich and Grace and Jake Swaim.

His fun-loving, kind nature filled everyone's life with enjoyment. So please come bring smiles and memories to celebrate a life well spent on September 29, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home’s Mahomet Chapel 1102 Churchill Rd., Mahomet.

His family thanks everyone at Amber Glen Alzheimer’s Special Care Center for the excellent care they gave him while he was there. Thanks also to the nurses and hospice workers, 6th floor Carle Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mahomet Public Library 1702 E. Oak St., and the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association.