James D. Roper

The Honorable James D. Roper, (retired) Superior Court Judge of Kitsap County, died March 12, 2015 at Franciscan Hospice Home, University Place, WA. Born in Tacoma he grew up in South Tacoma, graduating from Lincoln High School class of 1949. Initally he worked as a clerk at Longmire, Mt Rainier and McNeil Island Prison, he served in the US Army. After graduating from the University of Washington School of Law, he served as Deputy Prosecutor in Kitsap County. He was elected in 1978 as a Superior Court Judge, serving 18 years.
Jim was quick witted and gregarious man, an avid volunteer giving of himself to many organizations: Station 4 (as a volunteer firefighter and organized the Easter pancake breakfast for years.) Olalla Community Club, Special Olympics as a hugger. For years he wrote a column in the Port Orchard Independent, as Ollie of Olalla, about happenings in the community. A volunteer at Childhaven in Seattle. A dedicated volunteer and supporter for Virginia V Foundation. He proundly served as a USO volunteer for 14 years. He, for years, enjoyed tutoring first graders to read at Olalla Elementary.
He married Betty Wojcik March 21, 1998. Jim was preceded by his young daughter, Laura Lee and survived by his wife, daughter Alicia Roper (Rob) of Haddonfield, NJ, daughter Cara Dale Roper (Jeff) of Everett. Sister, Arlene Wambold (Lester) of Fife Heights, 2 grandsons Max and Josh. Stepchildren, Debbie Robinson (Don) Port Orchard, Bill Wojcik (Amy) of Franklin,Tn. His beloved big brother Jim Carlson.
In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made to the Salvation Army
There will be a Celebration of Life at 2pm Saturday, March 21st at Christ the Rock Church, 4100 SW Old Clifton Rd., Port Orchard, WA. A tribute wall can be accessed at www.rill.com .