He was born on April 12, 1937, in Perrysville, Ohio, one of seven children of the late Della Willamina (Scott) and Thomas Pearle Hupp. Jim graduated from Perrysville High School with the Class of 1955. He was a proud veteran of the US Army serving from 1960-1962. He met Charlene Kuelling in January 1963, and they married in July of that same year. This began a 63-year union filled with love and laughter.
Jim worked at Tappan for over 35 years until they closed in 1992. After retirement, he opened a lawn mower repair shop. Jim’s joy in building and fixing most anything was infectious. Most times, you could find him tinkering around the house, creating many useful items for fun that are still being used today. He also drove school bus for the Ontario school system for many years. No matter where he went, Jim found a friend. He and his wife, Charlene, traveled extensively and they enjoyed many spontaneous trips with little forethought but, oh, what beautiful memories were made. Jim was the epitome of a caretaker and would do anything for anyone if he was able. He will be greatly missed and remembered fondly for his kindness and caring.
Jim is survived by his wife, Charlene Hupp; a daughter, Sue (Mike) Simms; a granddaughter, Jenna (Gary) Snyder; a grandson, Kevin Simms; three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Noah and Emma Snyder; a sister, Betty, a sister-in-law, Dianne; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Hupp; five siblings, Bill, Thomas Scott, Helen, Lola “Curly”, and Donna; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Additional visitation will be held on Friday beginning at 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am in the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Cemetery with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail.
