James Robert Shoop

Mr. Shoop -- loving father, devoted husband and proud Navy veteran -- passed quietly March 26 in Whittier, surrounded by family. The Baltimore native was a longtime Downey resident who devoted himself to bereavement counseling, hospice outreach and other volunteer endeavors after retiring from 50 years in the aerospace industry. "Jimmy" was an aviation enthusiast with an often off-kilter sense of humor who loved to smile, to laugh and to sing. Mr. Shoop was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Josephine Olsefsky Shoop. He is survived by son Richard Shoop, daughters Jamie Shoop Bray and Karen Shoop, and their spouses Thomas Bray and Marli Shoop; five grandchildren; longtime companion Virginia Krumholz; brother-in-law Charles Olsefsky; myriad loving extended family members; and countless friends and fellow volunteers. Visitation: Friday, March 30, 3:30-8 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m., All Souls Mortuary, 4400 Cherry Ave., Long Beach. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31, St. Pancratius Catholic Church, 3519 St. Pancratius Place, Lakewood. Burial to follow at All Souls. ********** Published: March 29, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 50