Obituaries/Viewings
James J. Rupprecht | 95
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James J. Rupprecht, 95, of 430 Washington Street, St. Marys, passed away Monday, September 25, 2023 at his home.
He was born February 11, 1928 in St. Marys, son of the late Alois “Fatty” and Mary Gleixner Rupprecht. He was a lifelong resident of the area.
On July 26, 1952, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he married Shirley Hollobaugh, with whom he was blessed to share 71 years of marriage.
Jim is survived by his wife Shirley and four children: Rick (Cheryl) Rupprecht of Ashville, New York, Sandy (Dale) Miller, Mark (Annette) Rupprecht, and Joe (Renee) Rupprecht, all of St. Marys. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Tim (Erica) Shine, Greg (Shelly) Shine, Jennifer (Jason) Figured, JJ (Carolyn) Miller, David (Lisa) Miller, Angie Miller, Haley Rupprecht, Stephen Rupprecht, Jeff (Brandy) Miller, and Belinda (Rod) Dinsmore, 20 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Dorothy Firster of North East, PA and a brother, Jerome (Jane) Rupprecht of St. Marys. He was preceded in death by three sisters: Monica, Martha, and Grace, three brothers: Robert, Herman, and Thomas; and a son-in-law Dale Miller.
Jim served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 75 years. He worked for 46 years at Keystone Carbon Company before retiring in 1990. He was a volunteer employee at Elk County Ammo and Arms for many years.
“Dad” was not famous. He never ran a business or held a really important position with some firm. What he did do was raise four children and teach them to be hard workers. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family. Everyone knew him and loved him. As a friend said this morning, “he was a heck of a nice guy.” He also spent the last 75 years assuming the role of Belsnickle… celebrating a great German tradition at Christmas. He loved to visit his grandchildren and great grandchildren all while trying to keep his identity secret. He also spent the last number of years visiting residents at Silver Creek Terrace and Elk Haven with his group of elves.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 11:00AM. Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no public visitation.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the charity or organization of your choice.
I am so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing! He was such a wonderful man. Always smiling! I am so honored to have known him! You all are in my thoughts and prayers
Sorry for your loss! You have our sympathies!
I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad/husband
Dear Mrs. Shirley Rupprecht,
( you will forever be Mrs. Rupprecht to me,) You and Mr. were always so sweet to Chuck and me when we were young and spending time with Rick. The plate you painted for our wedding still hangs on our wall (51 years now). Hugs to you and your family. I am sure James will be missed!
Mark, Joe, Rick and Sandy,
Please accept our sympathy on the passing of your dad. My memories of your dad is he always had a smile on his face and his deep devotion to your mother. He will be missed.
Our condolences to you and family.
Jimmy was a truly wonderful person, father and his love for Shirley was seen every time that I seen them together.
He will be missed by all, my family was extremely lucky to have him our lives, and he will me missed.
Prayers for Shirley and all the families. He will be watching over all of you from the heavens!!
Sandy, I am saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. I recall so many fond memories with your family when you and I were young. Prayers for comfort and peace for you, your mom, your brothers and all the rest of your family. Debbi (Tucker) Greene
Dear family,
Jim was one of the best neighbors a person could ask for. 43 years was not enough time for me to have him over there. I always admired his love for Shirley and how cute they always were cleaning and doing chores (Truly a power couple) or just having a rest on the front porch. I am so sorry for your loss. My kids always enjoyed the extra attention on Halloween nights from the Rupprechts. He will for sure be a huge missing part of the neighborhood. Fly high Jim, I’ll watch out for Shirley as best I can.
I was very lucky to meet Rick’s father once when I happened to be at Rick’s house when his Mom and Dad were visiting. I can see where Rick got his giving qualities, it runs in the family. I’m truly sorry for your loss; my thoughts are with you.
Rick and family, our thoughts are with your family as you honor Jim.
Hug, cry, laugh and tell stories; he would love that you are all together.
Tim and Kris M.
Dear Shirley and family,
You have my sincere, heartfelt condolences. May your grief be short-lived and the celebration of his life be eternal. Anyone who knew Jim, knew his life’s journey was one of success and happiness. I, for one, was fortunate that our paths crossed. Whether it was in my office, or out about town, I always enjoyed our conversations. Dwell on the good times and his many attributes and accomplishments.
Take care, Randall Kurtz, DC
Very sorry to hear about your Dad. He truly was a very nice person. Jim always treated us and our children like part of his family. We will miss him. We will keep you all in our prayers. Even though it is a time of sadness, remember the great times you shared. You’ll find yourself smiling a lot. May Jim rest in peace. May you find peace.