James Albert Schope

James A. Schope, 78, of Kansas City, MO passed away on April 26, 2003.

James was born in 1944 to Russell and Jean Schope in Oakland, CA. As a child the family lived in Iowa and Michigan. While attending college at Northwest Missouri State University, he met Rebecca Campbell, marrying her in 1966. They went on to have two children, Christina and Michael, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

After working as a Shop Foremen and Plant Superintendent in the steel fabrication industry, he and Becky started Holiday Video in 1988. Over its nearly three decades in existence, the little video store grew and expanded to include a miniature golf course, tanning booths, pool tables and a party room, which was enjoyed by the community and his entire extended family.

Jim loved sports of all types throughout his life, from playing to officiating to coaching. He refereed and umpired for several leagues throughout the 70s and 80s; developed and coached his daughter’s rotational softball league and various teams for his son; was an honorary coach for his grandson’s Hooligans hockey team; and attended every Blades and Mavericks game possible.

In 2014 he retired from Holiday Video, allowing him to focus on his favorite pass-times and hobbies. He loved camping in Colorado and the Ozarks, was an avid movie goer, and took great pride being a Church Elder at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Unquestionably, being a certified therapy team with his Sheltie Bobby for Pets for Life and part of the R.E.A.D. program as a Reading Education Assistance Dog was his most beloved of pass times. He shared numerous uplifting stories from the eight years they visited local hospitals and nursing facilities offering comfort and emotional support to a countless hundreds of people they visited. They even won an award for the hours they contributed to the emotional wellbeing of the people they helped.

James is survived by his wife Rebecca, their children Christina and Michael, seven grandchildren, two-point-five great grandchildren, and his brother Ronald. He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Jean, and his brother Robert.

James’ memorial service is being held on Saturday, May 6th at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2003 NE Englewood Road, Kansas City, MO 64118. Visitation starts at 11:00 a.m. with service at 12:00 p.m.