James Hubert Ruppe, age 82, of Rutherfordton, NC, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills.

A native of Rutherford County, NC, Jim graduated from Chase High School in 1961 and continued his education at Appalachian State University earning a degree in accounting in 1966. While in college he began dating Pamela Blankenship and got married in 1965. Following his college graduation, he was drafted into the Army and served his country for two years in Vietnam where he worked in the financial division. After returning home from his stint in the Army, he and Pam started their family by having a daughter and a son. Jim worked in Rutherfordton for 30 plus years as an accountant providing for his family. He was a longtime member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. Jim was an avid tennis player and enjoyed volunteering at Rutherford County and Cliffsides Historical Societies. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Leroy Ruppe, mother, Phrynia Lee Ellis Ruppe, and sister, Shirley Ruppe Stancil.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Pamela Blankenship Ruppe, his two children, Angela Dawn Ruppe, and James Andrew Ruppe, and his brother, Jerry Ruppe and his wife Janan.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Friday, October 31, 2025, at McMahan's Funeral Home. The memorial service will be at McMahan's Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM, Friday, October 31, 2025, with Reverend Beth Heffner officiating. Interment will be private at Southern Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28139. McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.