James Anthony Sopata

James Anthony Sopata, 86, Rib Mountain, died Thursday July 7, 2022, at the Hospice House, Wausau.

He was born June 14, 1936, in Blue Island, Illinois, son of the late Anthony and Bernice (Zajac) Sopata. He attended a Catholic school in Illinois prior to his family moving to Deerbrook, Wisconsin where he transitioned to a one room schoolhouse and graduated from Antigo High School in 1954. On June 28, 1974, he married Rita Harden-Momont in Medford. She survives.

For most of his working career, Jim had been employed as a Pharmaceutical Rep and after retiring, real estate sales became a new calling, and he retired a second time from Williams Realty.

Among his favorite pastimes he enjoyed trout fishing, hunting and County League Baseball. He especially enjoyed time with family and his Shih Tzus, Dusty, Sadie and Bentley.

Survivors include his wife, Rita; four sons, Todd (Kathy) Sopata, Mark (Kim) Sopata, Jeff (Rhonda) Sopata, all of Weston, Brad (Robin) Sopata, Schofield; step-son, Mike (Terra) Momont, Duluth; grandchildren, Josh & Tyler Sopata, Matt & Sarah Sopata; Allison Schjoth & Mitchel Sopata; step-grandchildren, Katherine, Caroline, Nathan & Rylan; great-grandchildren, Tessa, Maple, Gavin & Liam; one brother, Tom Sopata, Racine; Sandy Sopata, mother of Todd, Mark, Jeff and Brad. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Susan Momont and a brother, Walter Sopata.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday July 14, 2022, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the Sixth Street funeral home. In lieu of flowers an act of kindness in Jim’s memory would be appreciated.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Hospice House and the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the wonderful care given to Jim during his time with them.