James Doyle Rupe, 80, of Ottumwa died at 5:58 a.m. March 25, 2026 at his home.
He was born August 3, 1945 in Wapello County to Willard Doyle and Willa Irene Batterson Rupe. He married Linda Sue Fowler September 3, 1983.
A 1964 graduate of Eldon High School, he worked bridge construction before working at John Morrell & Co until 1973. He then worked at Ralston Purina, retiring in 2000.
Jim enjoyed spending time boating on the river, riding 4-wheelers with his grandchildren and especially spending time with his family.
Surviving is his wife, Linda; their children, Jeff Rupe of Fairfield, Lisa Rupe, Jim (Tracy) Greer, Lisa (Kevin) Cook and Donna Nelson all of Ottumwa; 9 grandchildren, Shelby Rupe, Jessica Bruce, Taran Bullock, Jimmy (Halynn) Greer, Tyler Cook (Ashlyn Boecker), Cody Cook, Casey (Jon) Vozenilek, Dylan Ward and Bailey Nelson (Dakota Quinn); many great grandchildren; siblings, Melvin Rupe of West Pueblo, CO, Barb (Doug) Black of Ottumwa, Becky (Bill) Jobe of Rapids City, IL; a sister-in-law, Cindy Rupe; an aunt, Mary Forsythe; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Martin Rupe and Steve Rupe.
Visitation will be open after 11 a.m. Friday March 27th at Reece Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday March 28th at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Burial will be in Fiedler Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society.
