James "Jim" Wesley Rupe

James "Jim" Wesley Rupe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, peacefully passed away on June 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in St Joseph, Missouri, on January 30, 1941, Jim lived a life rich in kindness, adventure, and faith, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Jim graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University on the morning of June 2, 1962, and cemented a lifelong partnership that afternoon by marrying the love of his life, Melba. Their devoted union recently celebrated 64 cherished years. Together, they weathered life's highs and lows, creating a loving home and family who became the heart of Jim’s existence.

A man of many talents, Jim’s career began in the realm of radio, where he entertained and informed as a disc jockey before transitioning into radio production with the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission. There, his creativity flourished as he produced acclaimed programs such as “Master Control” and “Country Crossroads.” His professional journey didn’t stop on the ground; it soared among the clouds as Jim became a private pilot, undertaking numerous missions with different missionary organizations. His final career chapter found him sharing his expertise as a simulator instructor for American Airlines.

Jim’s zest for life extended beyond work, finding joy in water skiing, snow skiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. A daredevil at heart, he relished every opportunity to travel and explore, weaving these experiences into the stories he penned, inspiring those around him to embrace their journeys with generosity and grace.

Jim's legacy is carried forward by his devoted wife, Melba; daughters, Deborah (Lamar) Tierney and Andrea Sabo; grandchildren, Jim Tierney; Kathryn (John) Saunders; Amanda (Jacob) Douglas; Peter Sabo; Elizabeth Sabo; and Andrew Sabo; and 8 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at J.E. Foust & Sons Funeral Home, Grapevine, Texas. A “Going Home Celebration” of life will take place Wednesday, July 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at White’s Chapel Methodist Church (Walton Chapel), Southlake, Texas.

To honor Jim’s memory, the family invites donations to be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, continuing his legacy of giving and compassion. Jim’s adventurous spirit, love for storytelling, and commitment to family leave a striking example of a life well-lived, now at peace.

Jim’s final written thoughts follow written July 18, 2022

REFLECTIONS ON WINTER

It seems like just yesterday that I was young, just graduated from OBU, newly married and embarking on my new life with my beloved Melba. It was a life soon to be even more blessed with the arrivals of daughters Deborah and Andrea. I could never have imagined the joy they would bring.

Yes, it seems like yesterday. But, in a way, all those “yesterdays” also seem like they were eons ago, and I wonder where all the years have gone. I know that I lived them all. I have wonderful memories of how it has been and of all the hopes and dreams that were part of my life. But, here it is, the winter of my life and it has caught me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years beyond my stage of life and my winter was so far off that I could not begin to fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. In the springtime of our youth, life seems endless and opportunities seem limitless. But now here it is — my winter.

Many of my friends have also entered life’s winter. They find they move slower now and when I look at them I now see “older” friends. Some are in better and some are in worst shape than me, but for all of us there are undeniable changes. Yes they were also once young and vibrant but, like with myself, their age is beginning to show and now we ARE those old folks that we used to see and never thought we’d be.

Each day now, I find that getting a long hot bath is a real target for the day. And taking a nap is indeed a wonderful treat. Now, in this winter season of my life, I find myself basically unprepared for the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do all those things that I did in my younger days.

Mind you, while I know that the winter has come, I still don’t know just how long it will last. The end of my winter is not anticipated soon. I do know, that when it’s over on this earth, it’s NOT over. A wonderful new adventure will begin! Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done and other things I wish I had done, but indeed, there are many more things I’m so happy to have done. It’s all part of what has been a wonderful and rewarding life.

You may not be in your winter yet but let me remind you that while it may still seem a long way off, it will be here sooner than you think. Whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly! Don’t put things off too long! Embrace those even unexpected opportunities and enjoy life to the fullest. Dream big and make your big dreams happen.

Jerry Clower, a dear friend, once told me, “Jim, you are one of the luckiest people I know. You were flexible enough to let the Lord push you backwards through many open doors which you didn’t even know were there and, as a result, your multi-faceted life has been very rich.” Indeed! How well said! Thank you Jerry!

Life goes by quickly. Do what you can today to treasure each moment and each experience because you too may be surprised when your winter eventually sneaks up on you. Right now it may seem to be eons away but one day you too may wonder where have all the years gone. Live your life today and every day. Say and do all the things that you want your loved ones to remember. Trust that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have told them, done with them, and done for them in all your years.

“Life” is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who are a part of your life. Make it fantastic for them…. And for YOU!

LIVE LIFE WELL…

ENJOY TODAY…

DO SOMETHING FUN…

BE HAPPY…

HAVE A GREAT DAY…

HAVE A GREAT LIFE !