James Wayne Rippey

James Wayne Rippey, age 85, passed away on October 24, 2011 at the Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2011 at the Behner Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Burial, with Military Rites, will be at Sunnyside Cemetery in Milton.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday evening, with family present from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., October 27, 2011 at Behner Funeral Home.

A memorial has been established. Cards and memorials may be sent to 704 S. 6th St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

James W. Rippey was born on July 18, 1926 in Winterset, Iowa, as the oldest of three sons, to Russell E. and Leah Hopkin Rippey. He married Helen F. Williams on July 30, 1950.

He served in WW II from 1946-1947 and was awarded the Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Japan Medal, in 1947. James operated the Milton Meat Processing Plant for 20 years and upon moving to Fairfield in 1964, he was employed by Fairfield Engineering for 21 years and also had his own Lawn Service for an additional 15 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, CB and Ham radios, camping, traveling, craft work and was a NASCAR fan.

James is survived by his wife: Helen, two daughters: Betty (Bobby) Zeagler of Baytown, Texas and Barbara (Gordon) Pilcher of Fairfield, two sons: Russell (Ruth) Rippey of Libertyville and Larry (Cindy) Rippey of Fairfield, 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and a brother: Stephen (Mary) Rippey of Ames.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Willard Rippey, a son at birth: James Williams Rippey, a grandson: Jim Mrogenski and a great-granddaughter: Rena Pilcher.