Jimmie Allen Ruppert, 84

1940 — 2025

Jimmie passed away Jan. 1, 2025, in Sun City West, Ariz. He was born June 16, 1940, in Buhl, Idaho, to Claude and Ruth Ruppert. Jimmie grew up in Kellogg, Idaho. After high school, he moved to Seattle in 1959, working for Boeing as the skinny kid who bucked rivets for the inside of 707 wings. In the early 1960s, Jimmie was given an opportunity to join Boeing's Data Processing organization, and he worked his entire career in DP with Boeing, International Paper, moving to the Municipality of Anchorage in 1970, the Anchorage Telephone Utility, before retiring from the state of Alaska in 1997. 

As a boy, Jimmie enjoyed hunting deer and elk in Moon Gulch. He raised his children to enjoy the great Alaskan outdoors, spending most summer weekends on the Kenai, Talkeetna or Yentna rivers, Long Lake, and Gunsight Mountain in the winter. Jimmie loved to fly his plane to the Kustitan for Silvers in August. He taught his sons how to hunt moose, always encouraging them to drop the animal before it reached the water. An excellent shot, he never needed a second bullet.

In 1998, Jim and Jean spent their winters in Sun City West, Ariz. They often traveled in their C-205, flying from Circle, Alaska, to Manzanillo, Mexico, and across the L48. In retirement, they enjoyed their 1971 Mach 1, vintage car club, golf, friends and generally living in a warm place with no need for a snow shovel. 

Jimmie was predeceased by his parents, Claude and Ruth, and his sister, Maryanne. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean, sister Connie, children Mike (Cyd), Patti Schwanke (Tim), Kathy Lowe (Nelson), Jeff Michou, James Michou (Jessica) and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When anyone needed help, Jimmie was always there.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.