James Lee Kipker, 82, of Bellefontaine, passed away early, Wednesday, February 14, 2024, in the ICU of Mary Rutan Hospital, Bellefontaine.
He was born in Wyandot County, Ohio on September 13, 1941, the son of the late Harold and Martha Jane (Klinger) Kipker. He was also preceded in death by two sons, Micheal Day and Chris Huffman.
On June 1, 1990, he married Norma Kay (Inskeep) Kipker, and she survives. He is also survived by four children: Renea Tracey, Terry (Debbie) Kipker, Todd Kipker, Susie (Lynn) Yoder, seven grandchildren: Terrance Kipker, Erica (Jamie) Rice, Shayla (Justin) Colley, Devin (Brittany Hamilton) Kipker, Caitlin (Tyson) Gantz, Kelsey (Pat) Basso, Christy (Nick) May, 13 great grandchildren, a brother, Harold “Skip” Kipker, several nieces and nephews, and his cat, Ollie.
Jim graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1959 and went to work for Merchant Industries where he spent 30 years. He later went to work for Quick Print, Rath Forms, and finally retired from Airstream. He had belonged to Elks Lodge #132, Bellefontaine and enjoyed reading & traveling. He was a Michigan Wolverine fan and enjoyed collecting nicknacks including Mickey Mouse and anything to do with ducks. He loved to watch his grandchildren participate in sports and activities and just loved being a grandpa, including hosting his family for birthday dinners and during the holidays.
Pastor Bryan Meadows will officiate a funeral service on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Visitation will be on Saturday at the funeral home two hours prior to the service, from 12Noon to 2p.m. Burial will follow in East Liberty Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Campbell Place Activity Fund, 356 Kent Dr, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE is honored to serve the Kipker family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.