James Laipply

God, Family, Country: Three words that represent a life well-lived and Jim Laipply lived them all.

Jim was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, loyal friend, man who loved God, public servant, and proud veteran who served in United States Army for 28 years.

An avid volunteer, Jim supported Honor Flight and coached scholarship program contestants, soccer players and young people looking for direction. He was a natural mentor who offered a huge smile and endless encouragement that sparked confidence and inspired those around him to be their best.

He traveled the world, and through life, with a spirit of adventure, and he had the souvenirs and stories to prove it. Serving as on officer on a missle base in Okinawa, he explored southeast Asia. He later walked the Great Wall of China. His travels to England peaked when he was invited to watch a Manchester United “football” game from the player’s box. He rarely missed a Columbus Crew soccer match, sailed in the gulf, practiced Tai Chi, played soccer and skied some the steepest slopes in the United States. At age 70, he completed the “Disney Princess” Half Marathon dressed as Prince Charming.

Jim maintained great, lifelong friendships in many circles. He could always be heard joking and harassing his childhood buddies on their Tuesday walks.

Most importantly, he was a tremendous husband, dad and “paw paw” to a family who loved him more than he could ever know. He proposed to his soulmate after only two months of dating and was happily married to her for 48 years. His family will carry treasured memories of him with them for the rest of their lives.

His legacy will live on. Jim is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Julie (Bill) Carrier; son Jim (Amanda); and brother Rick (Alice). He proudly spoiled his grandkids, Clara, Oliver and Floppy Wonderdog (dog). He has 19 nieces and nephews, 17 great nieces and nephews and four great-great nieces and nephews.

Jim will be remembered during a “Celebration of Life” service on Monday, January 21, 2019 at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 1420 Grandview Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43212. His family will receive friends and relatives at 11:00 a.m. in the church with Mass beginning at noon and a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Masses to be said in Jim’s honor or a donation be made in his memory to the Honor Flight Columbus: http://www.honorflightcolumbus.org/donate-now.html