James Nopper

James (Jim) Nopper passed away after a very long and interesting life.

Jim was the proprietor of two bowling alleys in Toledo, Ohio, most recently Bowlero Lanes. Before that, he owned Ottawa Lanes for about a half of a century, with the support and work of Sally, his first wife and mother of his two children. Along with being the site of many leagues, tournaments, birthday celebrations, and New Year’s Eve parties, Ottawa Lanes was for many years a popular lunchtimes spot with regular diners—many of whom were not bowlers—who wanted to eat the delicious homemade soup.

In the café, one could sit next to a glass wall of a greenhouse that had plants and sculptures collected by Jim’s parents on some of their travels around the world. That a greenhouse was part of the building reflected the creativity and architectural interest Jim inherited from working for his father’s construction company, which built hundreds of homes and commercial buildings in the city.

Ottawa Lanes is where Christmas Eve gatherings were held with Sally’s large family. It was also where his daughters, Cheri and Tami, spent many long hours––doing homework, working for the family business, knowing many long-time employees, having birthday parties, taking photos with prom dates, building relationships, and spending time with friends. It was where Cheri practiced bowling with Jim, when he told her to always end practice on a strike. It was where he inadvertently taught his grandson Christian, then little, some curse words. It was where many who had known Jim for a long time saw a softer side of him as he eased into being a grandfather. It was where Jim sponsored the first team with a majority of Black members for the Toledo Blade Classic. It was where the reception for Jim’s second marriage, to Patricia, was held. And it was where he bowled some of his perfect (300) games.

Jim frequently told Cheri and Tami that, as sisters, they will be the best friends they will have, something neither wanted to believe much when they were younger. But thankfully he was right. Additionally, Jim instilled in his kids a work ethic. He wanted them to work hard. He also wanted them to be happy.

Through bowling, he taught Cheri some important life lessons, to keep trying and to not let your team down. He tried to practice this himself. In his lifetime, he bowled in 42 ABC/USBC National Open Tournaments, 40 ABC/USBC Ohio Men’s State Tournaments, he participated in multiple PBA Toledo National Championship tournaments, and in his sixties, with Cheri by his side, he spent three weeks competing in three Senior PBA events .

Tami’s love for reading and writing was encouraged by Jim. He would buy her many books and she cherishes the times they went to Thackeray’s Books in the old Westgate shopping center. Much to her chagrin, Jim would sometimes make her report on the books she read.

He also got a kick out of the short stories Tami would write on scratch pads at Ottawa Lanes. Jim was always reading newspapers and magazines, at times cutting out pieces he thought people would like. And he often introduced people to new words he became familiar with from doing a crossword puzzle every day.

Jim, along with Sally, took Cheri and Tami on many trips. Along the way, they got to see Willie Nelson in concert during a vacation in New Orleans. And while traveling they often tried foods they were unfamiliar with. During one such dining experience, the waiter kindly informed Jim that the croissant was the bread when Jim ordered “a crescent sandwich on a bun.” On these trips Jim took many, many pictures and would make photo albums of each family vacation. While he extensively traveled, Jim had never taken a cruise. He did so at 90 years old, with Patricia, with whom he had maintained a close friendship.

Jim was athletic throughout his life. When he was younger, he played a lot of sports, including football, baseball, and basketball. He taught his daughters how to shoot a basketball and was a regular at Tami’s soccer games, at times running the length of the field to tell her to hustle. He enjoyed attending Christian’s basketball and baseball games and the softball games of Patricia’s granddaughter Skylar.

A source of pride was his commitment to working out, which he maintained even when life got tougher and more uncertain. In his 90s he was still at the gym. With his walker! With the assistance of Patricia, he would go from machine to machine to lift weights, then ride the bike.

Jim also had a crude sense of humor, something that was passed down to his daughters and that informed his selection of cards for birthdays and holidays. He enjoyed picking out cards and getting gifts for his family.

In his last years, Jim held on as much as he could to his independence, a sign of the determination and stubbornness that characterized his life. Beneath it all was a complicated, sensitive man who was loved and will be missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister. He is survived by his daughters Cheri and Tami, his son-in-law Philip, his grandsons Christian and Dustin, Patricia, and many other loved ones.

The family will be planning a celebration of life, please check back for the date and location to celebrate Jim's life.