James Haskell Tippie

Jim is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 37 years, Marjo Tippie; Son Jay Tippie and wife Tricia; Daughter Delynn Allyn and husband Joe; daughter Sanne Tingley; daughter Kayla Goucher and husband Andy; and sister Linda Tooley and her husband Ted. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Jim is predeceased by his father, Melvin Tippie; mother, Elaine Zeigler, step-father Jack Ziegler; and sister, Harriet Brady.

Jim was born January 17th, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan to Melvin and Elaine Tippie. He grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Crooked Oak High School. While in school, Jim fell in love with music, playing drums, baritone, and french horn for the marching band. He also stayed busy running his father's service station after his dad became too ill to run it himself.

After graduating high school, Jim joined the Navy, where he served for two years before being honorably discharged. He would later go on to have a career as an Air Traffic Controller in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas.

Jim had four children: Jay, Delynn, Sanne, and Kayla. He wore many hats as a dad. He was Den Leader and Cub Master for Pack 324 and was awarded the District Award of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America in 1978. He always loved to volunteering with the local band programs, whether it was moving equipment for the concert band season, or passing out water for the marching band at football games.

In his free time, Jim was an excellent cook. He was very handy around the house and could fix just about anything. He loved to sing along with the radio in the car and would drum on the steering wheel, despite all of our protests.

Jim was lot of fun to be around. He never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. He always went above and beyond to make other people feel special. The joy he gave us will stay with us forever.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Richland Area Band Boosters would be appreciated.