James Rippy

Mr. Rippy, the first son of Charles and Ruth Rippy, was born in Sulphur Springs, on February 10, 1936. He died at home in Tyler on Tuesday morning, January 3, 2012. A hard worker, Jim held many jobs while attending high school and college. Among them were, employment at a soda fountain, a foundry, a grocery store, loading chickens, tool production and maintenance work. After graduating from Sulphur Springs High School in 1954, he attended and graduated from Texas Tech University in 1960 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering, and he remained a staunch supporter of the school throughout his life. He married the love of his life, Janet Leggett, August 31, 1956, and she survives him. A devoted husband, a father and grandfather, he took exceptional pride in his three sons, James Reed, his wife Suzie and children, Patrick and Morgan, Charles Glenn, his wife Michele and children, Glenn and Matthew, and Lewis Bradley, his wife Jennifer and children, Bradley, George and Calvin. He is survived also by his brother, David Rippy of Downingtown, PA, his wife Maridel and his sister, Roseanne Albritton of Graham and their families. As a registered professional engineer and active member of the Texas oil community, Jim worked in Midland and in East Texas. In 1977, he became an independent oil operator, and with his sons, he established Rippy Oil Company in 1986. A man of deep personal Christian commitment, Jim’s priorities were, his faith, his family and his friends. While he fulfilled leadership in several organizations and professional societies, including membership in the Order of the Rose, being President of the East Texas Geological Society and the East Texas Log Library, his life was more appropriately defined by his service to his church, where he served as Lay Leader two years, taught youth Sunday School classes, and was an active member and President of the Friendly Men’s Sunday School class. He will be remembered also and appreciated for his services to the Ed Robb Ministry and to special events at Youth With a Mission. Many of Jim’s fondest times were spent learning about little girls with his granddaughter, Morgan, and in teaching his sons and grandsons sports and being together outdoors. He served as a coach on many teams and watched many more games. In the last few years, some of his best times were spent in West Texas, hunting with his boys and their friends on his ranch. All would say, “He was a great man and a wonderful friend.” A family graveside service will be held Friday morning, January 6, 2012 at the Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary of Marvin United Methodist Church, 301 West Erwin, Tyler, with visitation to follow in Pirtle Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 215 S. Clayton, Tyler 75702 or to the Bethesda Clinic, 409 West Ferguson, Tyler 75702.

James Rippy

February 10, 1936 - January 3, 2012