James Phillip Zoppi

James Phillip Zoppi, loving father and grandfather was called home to God after a long-fought battle with an illness and was 87 years old.

James was born in Portland Maine on June 2, 1937. In his youth, Jim lived in Agawam Massachusetts and enjoyed running concessions at Riverside Park in his youth and working in the radio business which he learned from his dad, Phillip Zoppi who was general manager for WPOP in the 1950’s. Jim was also a drummer and performed at many venues with his band “The Moon Riders” (originally the teen riders) as well as with his sister Nancy in her band “Touch of Brass” who played trumpet and sang. Jim also performed with many big names in the music industry such as “Little Richard”, “Connie Francis” and “The Big Bopper.” Later, Jim joined the United States Armed Forces and served honorably in the United States Army in McLean, Texas where he taught firearms proficiency and was also an army photographer and drummer in the army band.

In June of 1960 he married Elaine Francis Lindsley. He remained active in the music business as a drummer and had an opportunity to go on the road with Tony Bennet but turned down the opportunity to commit to fatherhood after the birth of his son David. Jim owned and operated firearms stores, restaurant businesses as well as antique stores and a music business in West Hartford.

James Zoppi is survived by his sister, Nancy Zoppi, his son, David Zoppi, his daughter-In-law Constance Zoppi, and his grandson, Christopher Zoppi.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours at Berlin Memorial Funeral Home, 96 Main St., Kensington, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, 200 Whitman Ave, West Hartford. www.BerlinMemorialFuneralHome.com

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