James A. Rippy

TSgt James A.  (Jim) Rippy, 89 passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on February 4, 2021.  Jim was a veteran who served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Jim was born on June 13, 1931 in Gastonia, North Carolina to his parents Roy E.  and Bessie (Smith) Rippy.  When Jim was 16 years old, he decided he wanted to join the US Air Force.  In October 1947, his decision became reality and lasted until January 1, 1969.

Jim’s overseas duty stations included Guam, where he was in the motor pool driving trucks and diesel tractor trailers; Greenland, he was in the commissary; and Vietnam where he was a recreation services supervisor.  Stateside duty stations included Dow A.F.B., Bangor, Maine; Mitchell A.F.B, Hempstead, Long Island, New York; Donaldson A.F.B, Greenville, South Carolina; Ardmore A.F.B, Ardmore, Oklahoma; Offutt A.F.B, Omaha, Nebraska; Bergstrom A.F.B, Austin, Texas; and Hill A.F.B., Ogden, Utah.

While home on leave from duties in Greenland, Jim met Lucille Bryan, whom he married in 1957.  After completing stateside duties, Jim and Lucille chose to settle in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where Jim built a gratifying career of 24 years with the City of Myrtle Beach, retiring as the Superintendent of Sanitation.  When Jim was not working, he could be found on his favorite course, pursing his main passion of golf.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Roy and Bessie, wife Lucille, brothers; Roy Jr., Teddy, and William; sisters Euphemia, Vivian, Louise, and Jewell Lee; daughter Barbara Rippy Adair and son-in-law Edward L.  Doxey.  Jim is survived by his wife Margaret Joanne Brown; brothers; Jerry and Louis Dean; son-in-law Thomas M.  Adair; daughter; Donna Rippy Doxey; grand children; Travis James Adair (Jennie), Dawn Nikole Adair, Kyle Doxey (Amber) and Cale Doxey (Nicole); great grand children; Raven Shea Morse, Hayden Alexander Adair, Kyla Lee Doxey and Drifton Cooper Doxey and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express gratitude to their caregiver as well as Heartland Hospice.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to First Free Will Baptist Church 900 67th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.  A private family service will be held at Ocean Woods Cemetery.

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