James Egger

James J. Egger, 61, died Saturday, June 12, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. Born September 30, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Thomas D. and Margaret (Zottman) Egger. He was a graduate of John Adams High School in Queens, NY and received a Bachelors degree from Pratt Institute majoring in art education and photography. He has been a resident of Monson for over 31 years. Jim was an Army Veteran of Vietnam serving in the 9th Infantry Division from April 1968 until January 1970. He worked as a photographer, a carpentry instructor and a carpenter. Jim loved teaching kids carpentry skills and found great rewards in sharing his talents with the organization Youth Build in Holyoke. Most recently he was the Property Manager for the Springfield Girls' Club.

Jim was a member of the First Church of Monson, Congregational, where he served three terms on the Board of Trustees. He enjoyed traveling and had traveled to Alaska, the Grand Canyon, United Arab Emirates, Kenya and Tanzania. He also enjoyed being close to home hiking in the woods with his wife Crystal and his dog, Lily, taking rides in his sports car and enjoying a good conversation about politics. Jim was always able to tell a great story and became an easy friend with everyone he came in to contact with. His kindness and easy demeanor were an inspiration to all those around him.

He leaves his wife of 33 years Crystal L. Kofke, their daughters Heather L Kofke-Egger of Ann Arbor, MI and Sarah A. Kofke Egger of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, his son in-law Said Mandhry also of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates a granddaughter Aisha Mandhry and a brother T. Daniel Egger and his wife Angela, of Denver, NC, beloved sisters and brothers in-law, and many neices, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday June 16, 2010 at 10 am in the First Church of Monson, Congregational 5 High St. with burial at the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam at 2pm. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 5-8pm at Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. in Monson. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Youth Build USA, Inc. 58 Day St. Somerville, MA 02144.