James was born October 15, 1948, in Zanesville, Ohio. He passed away July 5, 2021, in Kentucky. He was the son of the late Charles A Rupe and Hattie (Coleman) Rupe.
James is survived by 4 children, April (Keith) Frazee of Sidney, Ohio, James A. Jr. (Lori) Rupe of Athens, Ohio, Heather (Tim) Fuston of Alabama and Jesse (Mark) Dexter of Nelsonville; 7 grandchildren, Austin Rupe, Hailie Frazee, Robert Dalton, Kaleb Dexter, Aasha Dexter, Paisley Rupe, and Levi Rupe; 6 great-grandchildren, Lainey Rupe, Bryson Dalton, Baylor Dalton, Sophie Dalton, Zayden Dexter and Branson Dexter.
He is also survived by 4 sisters, Betty Haynes, Sharon Heinlen, Connie Bright, and Nancy Thompson; and 2 brothers, Charles Rupe and Richard Rupe.
James was proceeded in death by his parents Charles and Hattie Rupe; 2 sisters, Linda Rhodes and Anna Morgan; nephew Buddy Bright; infant niece Patty; along with his paternal and maternal grandparents.
A private family service was held at the Warren-Brown Funeral Home, Nelsonville, Ohio.