James Culipher

James Ray “Jimmy” Culipher passed away on May 13, 2023 at the age of 78. He was a man of strong faith, unconditional love, he never met a stranger and always walked away with a new friend no matter where he was. A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held on Saturday, May 20th at 11:00 am, Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.

Jimmy was born on August 29, 1944 to Edith and A.C. Culipher in Wichita Falls, Texas. He had two children, Karrie and Michael. Jimmy married Ophelia Garber on July 2, 1993 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Jimmy was employed for 34 years at PPG Industries as a welder, machinist and electrician.

Jimmy enjoyed traveling with his wife Ophelia and best friends Buster and Mary Beth Harmon. He had the pleasure of going on countless trips across the country, including traveling to all 50 states and going on dozens of cruises. Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt, and camp. As was said by one of his friends, “Jimmy was one of a kind, loved to catch those stripers.” Listening to the wild and animated stories told by his son, Michael, you can only imagine the countless escapades and memories that were made. His hobbies were his passions, and he had many over his life including hunting, fishing, archery, camping, karaoke, cruising, traveling and golf. It is easy to say that this represents a life well lived.

Jimmy was known as a “fix it” man and had a solution for everything. He loved helping others and was a compassionate soul. Jimmy could often be found singing karaoke with friends, and you could count on him to be leading the crowd with his country crooning. Jimmy is now singing along with some of his friends and adding some spice to heaven’s choir.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and A.C. Culipher. He is survived by his wife Ophelia “Phil”; children, Karrie Brown and husband Mike, Michael Culipher and wife Alicia, Dana Lackey and husband Dub, and Rob Garber and wife Tamara; his grandchildren Tyler, Conor and wife Metrah, Matt, Taylor and fiancé Owen, Dylan, Alyssa and Amber; and three great-grandchildren, as well as one due in August; and his sister Diane Armstrong, not to mention his countless lifetime friends which include his PPG family, winter Texans, and Curtiss Wright Village neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Jimmy’s name to a charity of your choice.