James M. "Mike" Roper

James Michael Roper June 16, 1950 - May 15, 2014 MISHAWAKA - James Michael "Mike" Roper, 63, residing in Mishawaka, passed away at 7:45 am Thursday, May 15, 2014, at home. He was born June 16, 1950, in Tulsa, OK, to the late Buford and Ila Faye (Patterson) Roper, but lived most of his life in the South Bend area.

On July 29, 1967 in South Bend, Mike married the former Vickie Gulatta, who survives. He is also survived by children, Teresa Roper, Karen Roper-Beatty and Joseph Michael Roper, all of Mishawaka; grandchildren, Jeffery Roper, Breanna Brittain, Kevin Michael Smarr, Ashley Beatty and Kyle Beatty; and great- grandchildren, Emily, Braiden and Connor. Additionally, Mike is survived by a brother, Larry (Mary) Roper of South Bend; stepsister, Cindy Spurr; stepbrothers, Steve Meyers and John (Mary) Meyers; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Roper.

Mike attended Riley High School.

He was a hard worker at City Pattern & Foundry, which later became Total Industries, for 16 years before becoming a taxi driver for several years for the Amish community in Nappanee. Mike enjoyed fishing, going to Irene's Cafe in Mishawaka, traveling, driving the Amish and spending time with Joey.

Funeral services for Mike will be held at 4:00 pm Monday, May 19, 2014 in the Palmer Funeral Home - River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. Rev. Greg Crump will officiate. Interment will take place at a later date in Southlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 - 4:00 pm Monday in the funeral home prior to services. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mike may be donated to Logan Center, 2505 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46615. Online condolences may be left for the Roper family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from May 17 to May 18, 2014.

07/28/2023 EJS

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