James M. Lipsey

Mr. James M. Lipsey, age 91 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Thursday, March 28, 2013, at his home. Jim was born June 1, 1921, in Ola, Arkansas, the son of R. J. and Cora M. Lipsey. He was married on April 5, 1942, in Russellville, Arkansas to Ruby S. Spaulding who preceded him in death on November 1, 1998. On May 6, 2000, he married Melva Deane Lawrence Foster. Jim graduated from Arkansas Polytechnic College in 1941, and attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway. At Arkansas Tech he learned to fly in the Civilian Pilot Training program, and from there he entered the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, serving as a flight instructor. A resident of the Jefferson City area since 1970, Jim began work with the new Missourinet network in 1974, where, as the company grew, he served in a number of capacities for 18 years prior to his retirement as a vice president of Learfield Communications on September 1, 1992. Previously, he had helped start station KNCM (KWIX) in Moberly, Mo., 1950. Jim was a member, elder, choir member, and Sunday school teacher at Community Christian Church in Jefferson City where he was honored as elder emeritus and recognized as teacher of the Campbell Class for 12 years. He was an energetic member of Kiwanis International, serving the Jefferson City club as President and, more recently, as Secretary. He also served two terms as Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis MO-ARK District and was a Trustee of the Earl Collins Foundation. He was President of the Jefferson City Concert Association. Prior to moving to Jefferson City, he was a member, deacon, and Sunday school teacher at Central Christian Church in Moberly, where he also served as President of the Board of Education and President of the Rotary Club. Survivors include his wife, Melva Deane Lipsey of Jefferson City, Mo.; one son, Mike Lipsey (Pat) of Michigan; two grandchildren, Gillian (Todd) Granger of Michigan and Matthew (Rida) Lipsey of California. He is also survived by Melva Deane's children, Randall (Becky) Foster, Rachel (Kevin) Hume, and Rebecca (Jerry) Myers, all of Kansas City; and her grandchildren, Stacy (Eric) Summerour, Jeffrey Foster, Kyle (Nikki) Pansing, Tyler Pansing, Cody Pansing, Hayley Hume, and Aaron (Jessica) Myers; and eight great-grandchildren; Claire, Harrison, Emma, and August Granger; Rachel Lipsey; Kaitlyn and Luke Summerour, and Laythan Pansing. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Scottie. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2013, and at Community Christian Church from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013. A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednes-day, April 3, 2013, at Community Christian Church with the Reverend David Avery officiating. Graveside services and entombment with military honors will be at the Columbarium of the Community Christian Church. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Community Christian Church, the Capital City CASA, or the Hospice Compassus Foundation. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com