U.S. Navy Lt. Commander James (Retired) Robert Ruppe, age 84, of Rutherfordton, died, Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

Born May 30, 1930 in Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Ralph R. Ruppe and Beulah Mae Dobbins Ruppe. James was a Korean War Veteran, having loyally served in the U.S. Navy for twenty-three years, retiring with the rank of Lt. Commander. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La and served as a medical administrator. His last appointment of service was at Camp Lejeune. His pristine military career translated into becoming the vice-president of Spartanburg Regional Medical Services and the Regional Director of DCI. James was a member of Broad River Baptist Church and attended Green River Baptist Church, but was endeared to both churches.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Syble Honeycutt Ruppe; two brothers, Norris Ruppe and Mike Ruppe; two sisters, Patricia Baynard and Glynna Ledbetter and grandson, Tom Bunting.

Survivors include three daughters, Glenda Ruppe-Melnyk and husband, William of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, Deborah Ruppe-Rogoff of Greenville, SC and Roberta Ruppe-Rose and husband, Victor of Rutherfordton; two sons, James "Bob" Ruppe, Jr. of Rutherfordton and Richard Eric Ruppe and wife, Carol of Gaffney; four brothers, John Ruppe, Tom Ruppe, Steve Ruppe and wife, Ginger and Marshall Ruppe and wife Margaret; two sisters, Carol Axon and Maxine Adair and husband, Hubert and sister-in-law, Karen Ruppe. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2015 at Broad River Baptist Church with Reverend Gary Curtis officiating and Reverend Glenda Ruppe-Melnyk assisting. Interment will follow in the in the church cemetery with military honors being accorded. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Grace of God Rescue Mission, 537 W. Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043 or to The Salvation Army, 417 Duke Street, Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com