James Leon Cripps

1942 - 2023

James Leon Cripps, 81, of Grand Tower, IL, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023 in Carbondale, IL.

"Jim" or "Jimmy," to those who knew him, was born January 18, 1942 in a log cabin in Wilson's Holler (Pine Hills), IL, to Franklin Lee and Mary Lee Etta née Wright Cripps. The fifth of eventually ten children, his mother presented him as a birthday gift to his brother, John Cripps, born the same date eight years prior.

Jim left high school in 1959 to pursue the military by joining the United States Army where he served as a mechanic, ammunition specialist and carpenter. In July 1965, Jim was aboard the first boat to Vietnam where he served a tour of one year. Jim loved animals and even in the jungles of Vietnam enjoyed the company of a monkey he fondly recalled over the years. Also keeping him company during the war was a pen pal he had acquired through a mutual friend.

Jim returned from Vietnam in July of 1966. Dropped off in Washington State, he drove across the country to Pittsburgh, PA to meet his pen pal in person. He proposed a week later and December 17, 1966 stood in his military uniform and married his bride, Rose Mary Hermansderfer, in her childhood home and remained married to her until his death.

Sergeant James L. Cripps finished his military career in 1968, shortly after the birth of his son, James Leon Cripps II. Leaving Germany, he returned to the United States, where in 1970, he started a second career in "The City of Bridges," Pittsburgh, PA, becoming a union member of Heavy Construction Carpenters Local 2274. Each time Jim passed Birmingham Bridge, he proudly reminded his daughter, Victoria Lynn Cripps, it was the bridge he was working on during the time she was born, including that it was called "Brady Street Bridge" while under construction.

Jim was a born again Christian and baptized along with his wife in front of their children at Homeville Christian Church, West Mifflin, PA.

Jim was a renaissance man of talent, thought and creation and an insatiable learner. Setting an example, he took his young daughter to his GED classes and she watched him earn and receive his high school equivalency diploma.

Jim retired from Local 2274 in March of 2006 and enjoyed life in Slippery Rock, PA at his peaceful home in the woods with his wife and animals. Like generations of Cripps men before him, Jim owned a pig. Wilbur, the pot belly pig he shared his beloved root beer barrel candies with, was supposed to remain the size of a beagle. He did not.

Jim enjoyed the company of his five grandchildren:

Samuel Elijah Cripps, named for his ancestors back to the Hills in which his grandfather was born.

Miranda Renea' (James) Voudrie he shared cuddles and potato chips with on his knee at the table.

Connor Joel Little who ran screaming with his little brother, in Pumba like fashion, "HE'S GONNA EAT ME!" at the site of Wilbur, much to the entertainment of his grandfather who laughed until his belly hurt.

Braden "Brady" Lee Judson Little, namesake of both of his maternal great grandparents and many Lee's before them.

Abigail Mary Lee Etta Cripps, namesake of Jim's mother, her paternal great grandmother.

Jim also leaves behind two little redheaded great grandsons:

Caleb Lucas Voudrie who, upon meeting, Jim confirmed was the very image of his own paternal grandfather.

Rowan Alexander Voudrie who inherited his great grandfather's exact shade of red hair along with his quick wit and ability to "zing" one when they least expect it.

Jim was an excellent road trip companion and shared many adventures of his lifetime during them. Early on, stopping in Kentucky on one such trip with his wife, he found his lucky four-leaf clover which he carried thereafter, covered in tape, transferring it from wallet to wallet over the years. On a later road trip, at the age of 67, Jim stood with his daughter and oldest grandson upon Inspiration Point, Pine Hills, not far from where his early ancestors settled in the 1790's and gazed out on the same Mississippi River Valley view their generations before had seen.

Jim returned with his wife to Southern Illinois in 2017 and lived the remainder of his life in Grand Tower.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Mark, brothers John, David and Frankie, sisters Rosemary Masters and Colleen Baltzell along with several nieces and nephews.

Jim is survived by his wife, Rose, of 56 years, son James II (Marilyn) Cripps of Grand Tower, daughter Victoria Cripps, 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandsons, his brother Francis Cripps, sisters Bernadine (Vernon) Thompson and Ellen Robertson, and many nieces and nephews.

James was laid to rest September 7, 2023 at Grand Tower's Walker Hill Cemetery with a 21-gun salute and military honors.

Memorial donations in James' name may be made to VFW Post 3455

~Will the circle be unbroken bye and bye Lord bye and bye, There's a better home a waiting in the sky Lord in the sky~