James F. Galuppi

Jim Galuppi, age 81, passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 19, 2023, after a 9-year battle with cancer. He was born on December 11, 1941 to James and Elizabeth Galuppi in Syracuse, New York. Jim was a 4-sport athlete in high school and was offered a football scholarship at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he met Kay Newman.

Funny story… Kay’s daddy specifically warned her to “stay away” from Yankees, Catholics, and Italians. JIM WAS ALL THREE! First time he met Kay’s father (a professional boxer), Jim quickly explained, “My dad is Italian, but my mom is IRISH. So, I’m only half Italian! Also, I am FROM New York, but live in the south 9 months of the year! And I haven’t been to church in a VERY LONG TIME!” Mr. Newman shrugged and said, “Well I guess you’re OK then!” and loved Jim from that moment on!

They were married on June 25, 1966 and Kay taught one year in Natchez, Mississippi while Jim completed Basic Training with the Army National Guard.

Jim and Kay moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1967 and Jim worked as a buyer for Britt’s Department store where he eventually was promoted to Store Manager. He then went on to work for Keller Industries and Kinco – selling windows. After 30 years, Jim retired from the window business and joined John Lay as a Service Attendant at Kraeer Funeral Home where he served until 2020.

Sports were always a huge part of Jim’s life. In fact, it was BASKETBALL that brought him to FBC. Jim was invited to play in a men’s league and the only requirement was that you attend church once a month. (When he found out they served donuts too, he was hooked!) Jim signed up for every rec team offered and which eventually led them to join the church in 1970.

Jim was baptized in 1971 by Dr. Robert Smith and was actively involved in Sunday School. In 1995 with tickets to Promise Keepers, Jim traveled to Tampa (and roomed with John Lay). It was there, in a huge football stadium, surrounded by men of all different ages and backgrounds, listening to T.D. Jakes, that Jim made a Profession of Faith! Friends called Kay that night, from a Bob Evans restaurant, to exclaim, “JIM WENT FORWARD!!” His life was never the same! It was no longer just about “going to church on Sunday”… he had a relationship with the Lord and it was this relationship that defined him.

Jim joined the “Fraternity of Deacons” at FBC and truly never missed a Sunday. He was so proud of his “position” and served his post well – wore his coat and name-badge every week, handing out programs and passing the offering plate.

Jim loved twizzlers, vanilla oreos, and caramel popcorn. He was the best dressed guy in college and he’d eat the top bite off your ice cream cone before passing it to the back seat. He shaved every single morning before coming out to start his day. He loved popsicles, but dead palm frawns drove him crazy. His daddy gave him a $2 bill and told him to keep it in his wallet so he’d never be broke. To this day, that bill is still there, folded in thirds and tucked neatly inside the pocket. Leaves in his pool were his number one nemesis! He played Spider Solitaire on his phone and watched the weather religiously. Jim ate a banana every single day and cut table-salt out of his diet the minute he learned it was bad for you. He loved fried shrimp and onion rings, used his brakes a little too much when driving, and R-rated movies were not allowed in the house. He loved to talk on the phone – mostly about basketball. Poppa bragged too much about his 5 grandchildren and his absolute favorite restaurant was Nelson’s Diner.

He loved to serve and his family knew that his way to show love was by DOING.

Jim Galuppi’s story is told perfectly in Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree. He gave until he had nothing left to give. (… now he’s shooting halftime hook shots from the half-court line in Heaven!)

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kay, his daughter Kristen (Shane) Sisk, his son Trey (Tara) and his five grandchildren, Carson, Cutter, Crew, Kayden, and Tristen, his sister Marcia (John), brother Pat (Laura), nieces and nephews Greg, Abby (husband), Grant (Lauren), and Carey (Luke).