Mr. Pappas taught religion and music at Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville for more than 20 years. Continuing to see and hear from former students was one of the great joys of his life. After leaving teaching, he worked in real estate sales for many years.
Mr. Pappas was a member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Belleville. An avid singer, he was for many years a member of the SIU-E Community Choral Society, as well as his parish choir. He served on the Catholic Committee on Scouting and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Pappas was preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr. and Lynn, nee Krauss, Pappas.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rose Marie, nee Ax, Pappas, whom he married on June 30, 1972; a son, James C. III (Jennifer) Pappas of Sewanee, TN; two daughters, Margaret (Michael) Klein and Elizabeth Pappas, both of Belleville, IL; three grandchildren, James C. Pappas IV, Michelle Klein, and Hailey Kessler; a brother, George (Josephine) Pappas of Belleville, IL; and many other family and friends.
The family would like to thank Sidney, Felicia, and everyone else at Heartland Hospice for the excellent care they provided in the final months.
Memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Heartland Hospice, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends and family may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. Knights of Columbus 592 and Assembly 208 will perform a service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Funeral: A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB and Msgr. Jack McEvilly concelebrating.
A private burial was held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.