Photo courtesy of Hillcrest Funeral Home Burial Park & Cremations - San Antonio
Jun 22, 1944 - Nov 24, 2025
What a wonderful man and sweet man. He would give me money every time he came to the barn door. Didn't know him well but knew he was an exceptionally good man
Gidget Moss
January 20, 2026 | San Antonio, TX
George -- May you have fair winds and following seas. May you also be blessed with smooth waters, deep ports and friendly harbors, Captain.
Morgan LITTLE
December 18, 2025 | Dripping Springs, TX | Military
George was a regular at our senior center and after meeting him we had conversations as well as many other of the members of the Walker Ranch senior center. He was very friendly and would greet everyone that walk thru the dining room doors.
We had wondered after not seeing him for multiple days what had happened and then we received the sad news. He will be missed.
Michael Novak
December 11, 2025 | San Antonio, TX | Friend
With profound sorrow, we mourn the loss of CAPT James Rippel, a distinguished naval officer, devoted civil servant, and an inspiring leader who touched countless lives. His unwavering commitment to duty, from supporting the Apollo 16 mission to serving the U.S. Air Force and leading within the Reserve community, reflects a life of exceptional service, integrity, and quiet strength. CAPT Rippel’s legacy lives on through the generations he inspired, the missions he strengthened, and the...
Fazal Hussain
December 10, 2025 | Helotes, TX | Military
Our Sincere Sympathy and condolences on the passing of Captain Rippel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rippel family. From an ROA member in San Antonio.
Donna Balderston
December 10, 2025 | Bandera, TX
Our sincere condolences to the Rippel family upon Captain Rippel’s passing. We knew George through his dedication and support of the Reserve Organization of America (ROA) and his leadership as president of ROA Alamo Chapter 53. Fair winds and Following Seas my friend.
Colonel and Mrs. Marco Marin, US Army (Ret.)
Marco Marin
December 10, 2025 | Dallas, TX | Friend
Deepest Sympathy
Paula Kosmin
December 10, 2025 | Lansdale, PA | Friend
🕊️ Obituary for CAPT James Rippel, USNR, RET
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of George James Rippel, a highly respected naval officer, devoted civil servant, and beloved family member.
Born on June 22, 1944 in Upper Darby, PA, to George P. Rippel and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Rippel, George grew up in Broomall, PA and dedicated his life to education and service to his country. He received his High School Diploma from Marple Newtown Senior High School in 1962. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Drexel Institute of Technology in 1967.
Following his undergraduate studies, George was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on November 17, 1967. He was promoted to Lieutenant on May 3, 1971. While serving, George continued his academic career, earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Widener College in 1977.
George was a dedicated member of the Naval Reserve. A highlight of his service was his assignment to Task Force 140, which provided critical support for the flight of Apollo 16. His devotion to the Navy was further recognized by his promotion to the rank of Captain on October 1, 1990. He retired from the Navy on September 1, 1993, and was a Life Member of the Naval Reserve Association in 1989.
Serving concurrently with his time in the Naval Reserve, George embarked on a distinguished full-time career in civil service with the U.S. Air Force in San Antonio, TX. This committed service spanned 26 years, culminating in his retirement on April 29, 2011. In recognition of his exemplary contributions to the Air Force, he was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal upon his retirement.
Following his active service, George remained dedicated to the reserve community. He was a Life Member of the Reserve Organization of America (ROA) and proudly served as the President of the Alamo-53 chapter in San Antonio, Texas.
George is survived by his beloved sister, Betty, and many cousins who reside in states on or near the West Coast.
George will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to duty, his sharp intellect, and his lasting impact on both the military and civilian sectors he served.
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