James “Jim” Coup
d. September 1, 2022
James “Jim” Coup, aged 81, of Carlinville and formerly of Athens and Springfield, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Illinois.
Jim was born on January 14, 1941, in Coral Gables, Florida, the son of Anita Stamper Coup. Jim was raised by his mother and stepfather, Russell Coup, whose last name Jim adopted as his own.
Jim married his great love Carol on May 2, 1981, and the two lived in Athens, Illinois until 2019, when they moved to Carlinville, Illinois.
Mourning his passing are his wife Carol, brother Bob Coup, son Brett Coup, daughter Lauri Kerns (husband Frank), stepsons Kevin Walker (wife Melissa), Mike Walker, (wife Allison) and Tim Calvert (wife Melinda), grandsons Matthew Walker, Christopher Walker, Edwin Turpin, Henry Turpin, Levi Kane, granddaughters Elke Colwell and Zoey Knipp, and great-grandchildren Hannah, Killian, Autumn, Emery, Evelynn, Wyatt, Bentley and Charlee.
He is preceded in death by his mother Anita and stepfather Russell.
Jim graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee on May 30, 1962, and married Sue Lemme, Brett and Lauri’s mother, that same day. He went on to receive his master’s degree in Guidance on August 13, 1965, from Illinois State University. He began his doctoral work in Guidance and Counseling at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, completing one year before moving back to Illinois.
Jim worked at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield Illinois for nearly 30 years, serving as the Dean of Student Services when he retired in 1998. Prior to joining LLCC, Jim taught junior high school social studies and served as the high school wrestling coach in Jerome, Idaho.
Jim was a life-long seeker of knowledge and truth and was known to many as teacher and mentor. He enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, and taking annual trips with Carol to Hayward, Wisconsin. He loved a good crossword puzzle, 60’s folk music, and the tranquility of a quiet night in rural Illinois.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. with a formal service from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m., at the Mott and Henning Funeral home in Athens, Illinois. Graveside services will be immediately following at the Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Athens United Methodist Church in Athens, Illinois.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
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Posted September 5th, 2022 at 3:28 pm
Carol, so sad to see the passing of Jim. Those guys working together at LLCC had some good times. He truly was one of the best.
Fondly,
Pat Thompson
Posted September 6th, 2022 at 4:54 pm
Carol,
Jim was a great guy and a great boss at LLCC. Mark and I both retired from there and moved to Florida. I wish we could be at the visitation but since we can’t, please accept this note as our deepest sympathy to you and your family. The world lost a good one.
Beth & Mark
Posted September 6th, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Carol and Family deepest condolences on your loss. Jim was a good man and will be missed by many.
Posted September 6th, 2022 at 11:13 pm
Carol and family, I am very sorry to hear about Jim. I was thinking about everyone in the neighborhood last week. I was remembering that your’s and Jim’s wedding was Andy’s and Betsy’s first wedding. Probably the first wedding for most of the little neighbor kids. May all of your great memories get you through everything now and in the future.
Posted September 6th, 2022 at 11:13 pm
Carol and family, I am very sorry to hear about Jim. I was thinking about everyone in the neighborhood last week. I was remembering that your’s and Jim’s wedding was Andy’s and Betsy’s first wedding. Probably the first wedding for most of the little neighbor kids. May all of your great memories get you through everything now and in the future.
Posted September 7th, 2022 at 1:57 am
Carol and family, you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of such a good man. My introduction to Jim was on the scholarship committee at LLCC, where I marveled at his ability to figure all those grade point averages in his head. I enjoyed talking with him on other occasions, too. My thoughts will be with you Saturday and in the days ahead.
Posted September 7th, 2022 at 3:34 pm
Heartfelt sympathy Carol to you & your family. We have such fond memories of Jim – his faithful leadership, unending compassion and witty sense of humor. Our time together at LLCC has many cherished memories – especially the good old days in the weight room. We definitely cramped Jim’s style. Wishing you comfort, peace and loving memories to hold in your heart. RIP Jim.
Joan Lewis, Eileen Tepatti, Anne Schneider and Pam Beck
Posted September 7th, 2022 at 4:57 pm
Carol, I’m so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I worked for and with him at LLCC for many years. He was a mentor and a friend. Please know I am thinking of and praying for you and the family.