JAMES LAWRENCE NIPKO
James Lawrence Nipko, 84, of Holden, Missouri, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City.
Jim was born January 2, 1937 in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the son of Lawrence and Allegra (McKnight) Nipko.
He graduated from high school in Colby, Wisconsin. He enlisted in the USAF, where he served for nearly 25 years, until retiring at Whiteman Air Force Base, having attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.
Next, Jim attended UCM in Warrensburg, graduating in 1985 with a BS in Business Management. Soon after, he went to work at Harmon Industries.
Jim was united in marriage to Patty Fay (Peebles) Hubbard on November 20, 1982 in Knob Noster. The couple had been Holden residents since 1994.
Jim was a huge Packers fan. He served, with honor and dignity, on the Holden City Council for more than 20 years, representing Ward 2. He was an active member of Holden United Methodist Church and Holden VFW, Memorial Post #5844, where he often participated in Military Graveside Honors.
His hobbies included working on old tractors and tinkering. While stationed in Germany, he built a Corvair automobile and raced it. In years past, he enjoyed square dancing. Jim also enjoyed fishing and especially time spent with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his loving wife of 38 years, Patty; three daughters, Susan Ellison (Randy) of Washington State; Melissa Hubbard of Savannah, MO; and Joella Sommerhauser (Mark) of Lee’s Summit, MO; five sons, Timothy Nipko (Rachel) of Colorado Springs, CO; Larry Nipko of Springfield, MO; James Nipko (Staci) of Shawnee, KS; Josh Hubbard (Ashley) of Amazonia, MO; and David Hubbard (Shauna) of Savannah, MO; brother, Richard Nipko (Kay) of Arizona; 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Eileen Smart and Marilee Dekarske; infant great-grandson: Gavon Lee Bates; and Jim’s first wife, Patricia Joyce Nipko.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2021 at Holden United Methodist Church with Pastor Rob Allen officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 18, also at the church.
Face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will apply at visitation and the funeral service.
Entombment will follow the service at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Full Military Honors provided by USAF Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions are suggested to All Stars and Elevate Youth programs at the Holden United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.
Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden.
