James W Liptrap

James Walter Liptrap, born on November 10, 1933, in Thurmond, West Virginia, died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of May 31, 2025. Jim was the oldest child of Walter Brown Liptrap and India Ann (Smith) Liptrap.
Jim grew up in Thurmond with his brother Dave Liptrap and his sisters Jean (Frank) Hurt and Irene (John) Brown. He loved swimming in the New River and visiting his grandfather's farm. Jim attended Mount Hope High School, where he excelled in and out of the classroom. He played football, basketball, and baseball, and acted in plays. After graduation, he chose to follow in his father's footsteps to work on the railroad. He then later moved to Columbus, Ohio, with Joe Ann, where he became a proud Teamster, working for various trucking companies before retiring from Consolidated Freight in 1995.
Jim was a huge sports fan, especially the West Virginia Mountaineers. He also rooted for the Cleveland Browns, the Detroit Tigers, and spent many days watching the Reds on TV. He enjoyed horse racing with Scioto Downs and Keeneland being his favorite tracks. He loved listening to country music and watching westerns. Jim was also an avid reader. He had several subscriptions to magazines and newspapers. He also visited the local bookstore several times a week to pick up the latest mystery thriller and always had a stack of books to read next to his favorite recliner.
Nothing made Jim happier than his family. He loved being Dad to Pete (Leslie), Joni (Jim), and Toni (Nolan). He was their first teacher and coach. Even more, he loved being Poppaw to his 8 grandchildren: Jimmy Hughes, Sarah (John) Klie, Peter Hughes, Tate (Michaela Cummins) Hughes, Joe (Trisha Shriner) Liptrap, Jeff Liptrap, Mitchell (Katelyn) Davis, and Cole Davis and to his two great-granddaughters: Nora and Morgan Klie. Poppaw was the heart and the backbone of the family, loving and supporting them every step of the way.
Jim will be remembered by all for his quick wit, his sense of humor, and his generosity. He liked to laugh and was always ready for fun.
The family would like to thank Brookdale Lakeview Crossing and Mount Carmel Hospice and their wonderful caregivers for their support. Per his wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mount Carmel Foundation, 3100 Easton Square Place, Suite 300, Columbus, Ohio 43219 https://donor.mountcarmelfoundation.org/
DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 650 West Waterloo Street, Canal Winchester, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made at www.wspencefuneralhome.com.