James J. Kropelin, M.D. passed on to another world on December 1st, 2024 in the loving care of his wife, Muriel (Mikie) E. (Jaeger) Kropelin, R.N. He was born on March 19, 1933 of the late Louis J. and Agnes D. (Pestka) Kropelin. He leaves his children Muriel M. (Wallace, D.M.D.) Austelle, Deborah Anne (Paul, M.D.) Bretton and James J. (Jennifer) Kropelin, Jr. He was predeceased by their daughter Michelle Louise Kropelin and his sister Maryanna J. (Alton) Kidder.

He graduated from St. Joseph's School (University) in 1947, Canisius High School in 1951 and pursued an Arts/PreMed program at Canisius College where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955. Was Commissioned in the U.S. Army and named a Distinguished Military Student. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1959. Jim then interned at E.J. Meyer Hospital. In July 1960 he began an OB/GYN residency at the Meyer and met and later married his wife, Mikie. In 1961 he entered active duty in the U.S. Army fulfilling his Reserve commitment. In 1963, he returned to his OB/GYN residency at the University of Buffalo Affiliated Hospitals which he completed in 1967 at which time he began a Fellowship in Fetal Medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and served as Senior Instructor in the Department of OB/GYN.

In 1968 he entered into private practice in Niagara Falls and Lewiston with Drs. Gillick, Weppner and LaTona. He retired from practice in 1997. He was an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at the University of Buffalo.

He belonged to the Niagara County Medical Society where he served in various positions including President from 1978 to 1980. He was a member of and delegate to the New York State Medical Society and a state delegate to the American Medical Association. Jim served in various posts including President of the Niagara Falls Academy of Medicine in 1970. He also belonged to the Buffalo OB/GYN Society where he also served as President. He was on the staff at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital where he served as Chairman of the Department of OB/GYN and Chief of the Medical Staff. He was also an Attending Physician at St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston.

During his training phase and private practice, it is estimated he assisted at and performed approximately 10,000 deliveries.

Jim had many outside interests and was a lifelong member of the 3F Conservation Club in Lewiston where he enjoyed skeet shooting. His other interests included hunting, fishing, gardening, chess and tennis. He had a lifelong interest in photography. He belonged to the Wing and Rotor R/C Flying Club with whom he enjoyed remote control plane flying and served several leadership offices in that organization.

Above all, he loved and enjoyed his family.

He is survived by their six grandchildren, Christopher Austelle, Paul Bretton, Jr., Andrew James Bretton, James Kropelin, III, Elizabeth Bretton and Steven Kropelin.

A private memorial service will take place at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Canisius High School, 1180 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209 or Hospice Buffalo, PO Box 590, Buffalo, NY 14240. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com