James Daniel "Jim" Rippy (75) of Richmond, MO passed peacefully in the comfort of his own home on Wednesday, January 25 ^th , surrounded by the two things he loved the most: his family and his flag.

James Daniel Rippy was born on February 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, MO.

Jim grew up in Richmond, MO, and graduated from Richmond High School in 1965.  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 Company, until he was drafted in 1969.  Jim attended Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, completed A.I.T. at Fort Lewis, stationed at Fort Gordan, attended O.C.S. 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 Lietuenent.

After his return home, Jim attended Central Missouri State University to pursue a degree in Business Administration.  After his educational experiences, he began his career as manager of JCPenney's 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 1985-2009.  His success was honored with an induction into REMAX Hall of Fame in 1995.

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 over 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 been dealing 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 include a life-long membership of the Camden Masonic Lodge, serving as City Councilman from 1983-2003, 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 #223 of Camden, MO and VFW #4398 of Richmond, MO.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 30, 2023, at the Richmond First Baptist Church.  Masonic Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., with visitation until 5:00 P.M., on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Military honors provided by the United States Army and the Ray County Veterans.  Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Please remember to share your memories of Jim with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .