James “Jim” Rupe entered the gates of heaven on October 19th, 2026.
Jim was born on April 16, 1942 in Horton, KS to Wesley Theodore & Mildred Bertina Johnson Rupe. He grew up in Horton & graduated a Hornet from Horton High School in 1960. Upon commencement, he entered the United States Navy to be on Sea Duty aboard the USS Ticonderoga for 4 years in the Vietnam War. On April 15, 1962, Jim was granted leave to be married to Barbara Peterson. This union was given 64 years of matrimony. In those years, they raised 2 children: Vaughn Wesley Rupe and Christina Barbara Rupe both born while Jim was at sea.
Jim is well known for his 40 plus years of customer service at Lindy’s Thriftway in Hiawatha. After the store closed, he continued to be in the public eye as a “Crossing Guard” on 1st Street for USD 415. This is the “JOB” he absolutely loved. He became the community greeter @ the same time he was keeping the children safe getting to school each morning & afternoon. He could not have been a happier person. His smile & wave couldn’t have been more genuine and sincere.
Jim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hiawatha. He held several distinctive titles in the Order of Eastern Star and Masonic Temple. He was also very proud to be a supporter of all the Hiawatha High School & Highland Community College athletic programs. He absolutely loved to cheer on the athletes as they were competing. He was & still is their biggest fan!
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, his son Vaughn, his brother-in-law Dalton Howard and most recently his wife Barbara Anna Rupe on July 30th, 2026.
Jim is survived by his daughter Christy (John) Metz, sister Janet Howard, grandkids; Hillary Simpson, Jacob Rupe (Patricia Carney), Braedyn Rupe (Tynigha Ewing), Britany (Mason)Estes and Cody (Karley)Metz. Great-Grands: Landrie, Fletcher &Everett Simpson, Neveah & Lottie Estes; nephews Chad (Jennifer)Howard & Joshua (Mandy)Howard.
A celebration of Jim’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Hiawatha, with Pastor Cheryl Mishler officiating. Inurnment will follow immediately at Hiawatha Cemetery, with military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.
A light lunch will be provided back at the Church to continue to celebrate Jim’s life.
Friends may sign register book at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Stadium Seat Fund for USD#415 or Highland Junior College, also the Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, left in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
