James J. Rupprecht

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.