James Prince "Jim" Bupp

JAMES PRINCE "JIM" BUPP, 99, of Charleston, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and is now rejoicing with his Savior and Lord. Born May 15, 1926, to Austin and Letha (Keeney) Bupp, Jim lived 94 years on the west side of Charleston before moving to Harmony Southridge.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Letha, brother Bernard (Kathy), and sister Mary (Ed) Goff. Jim was a graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School. He joined the navy in 1944 where he was assigned to the LST 1063, learning mechanical skills that prepared him for his life's work. In 1947, Jim met and married June Wills. They were blessed with a long and happy marriage of 71 years until her passing.
Jim earned licensure as a plumber, electrician, towboat operator, and tanker-man. He always said he was the jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but the Lord blessed him with being Mr. Fix-It. To his grandchildren, he was "1-800-Call Granddaddy." Jim retired as a production supervisor and training coordinator from the Union Carbide, Institute Plant, with 36 years of service. Jim loved the river and "messing around" on towboats. He spent many happy hours on boats with his river friends and was also a founding member of the Point Pleasant River Museum.
One of Jim and June's greatest joys was seeing the closeness and friendships between their three children and spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Jim is survived by son Stephen (Julie) of Charleston, daughter Nancy Bupp (David Deaderick) of Lexington Park, MD, and daughter Susan (Guy) Gage of Bridgeport. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ellen (Ray) Harvey, Joanna (Jared) Lamb, Stephen Bupp, and John (Gloria) Bupp, Julie (Steve) Young, Laura (Jeff) Foster, and Brett (Rosie) Gage, as well as twelve great-grandchildren. Jim also loved and claimed Harry (Betty) Stewart as a son.
Jim donated his body to The Human Gift Registry.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 20, at Bible Center Church, Charleston, where he was a member for 56 years. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
To livestream the service, connect to biblecenter.online.church. The family thanks his Harmony Southridge friends for their many acts of kindness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bible Center Church, 100 Bible Center Drive, Charleston 25309, or to Hospice, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, 25387.