The Richmond News, Feb. 3, 2023

Jim Rippy James Daniel “Jim” Rippy, 75, of Richmond passed peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the two things he loved the most: his family and his flag.

James Daniel Rippy was born on Feb. 4, 1947, to James Mitchell Rippy and Zelda Myrtle Henley in Dayton, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his sister Janet, 14; mother; and father.

On July 15, 1967, he married Mary Katherine Payne. Together, they had three beautiful children, James Donald (Christi), Lori Ann (Mike) and Leanne Darline (Charlie); five grandchildren, Cooper and Lily Summers, James (Danny) and Natalie Rippy, and Malori Chrisman; and finally, one great-grandchild, Alaina Payton-Summers, all of Richmond.

Jim grew up in Richmond and graduated in 1965 from Richmond High School. After high school, he attended Wentworth Military Academy in 1967 and William Jewell College in 1968, having a successful football career at both institutions while also working at Ford Motor Co. until he was drafted in 1969.

Jim attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, completed advanced individual training at Fort Lewis, was stationed at Fort Gordan, attended officer candidate school at Fort Sill and proceeded to serve his country in Vietnam in 1971 as a field area signal officer and later was promoted to first lieutenant.

After his return home, Jim attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg to pursue a degree in business administration. After his educational experiences, he began his career as manager of JCPenney for five years. He created Rippy Vending and ran its successful operations until 1985.

Finally, Jim began his last chapter in his professional journey as a broker and owner after opening REMAX of Richmond from 1985 to 2009. His success was honored with an induction in 1995 into the REMAX Hall of Fame.

Throughout his professional life, he was devoted to VFW affairs and later obtained the title of Service Officer for the State of Missouri. He changed the lives of hundreds of veterans through fighting for benefits for veterans in our area, hanging flags on Main Street for 35 years, conducting more than 500 military funerals, fundraising for the VA memorial, escorting veterans each week to the VA and being the main connection for veterans across the state of Missouri. Despite the health concerns that he had dealt with for quite some time, he was able to continue contributing to the community for as long as his heart could withstand.

His other involvements included a lifelong membership in the Camden Masonic Lodge, serving as a city councilman from 1983 to 2003 and teaching flag etiquette at local schools. Jim’s life-long commitment to helping those around him perfectly mirrors one of his favorite quotes: “Find a passion that gives your life meaningful purpose” – Eric K. Shinski “If a little is good, think what a lot would do.” Memorial contributions can be made to Ray Lodge No. 223 of Camden and VFW Post 4398 of Richmond. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, at the Richmond First Baptist Church. The Masonic service was held at 2 p.m., with visitation until 5, on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.

Military honors were provided by the U.S. Army and the Ray County Veterans. Burial was in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Jim with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.