John "Jack" Rippy

SIOUX CITY -- John "Jack" Rippey, 87, of Sioux City passed away Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at Holy Spirit Retirement Home, following a lengthy illness.

Cremation has taken place, and burial will be at a later date. A memorial will be planned at a later date. Nelson Berger Northside Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Jack was born on Nov. 2, 1923, in Kingsley, Iowa. Jack was the older son of Ralph and Lainys (Ebelheiser) Rippey. The family moved to Le Mars, Iowa, in 1933. He attended and graduated from Central High School and spent the next year in Alaska on the Alcan Highway Project. Enlisting in the U.S. Army after his return to Le Mars, he served in the field artillery and was stationed in the South Pacific Theater until the end of World War II.

After an honorable discharge, Jack enrolled at Westmar College and then transferred to the University of Iowa to receive his bachelor's degree. He then moved to Florida and obtained his master's degree from Florida State University. As an educator, Jack taught in high schools in Georgia, Florida and California. He completed his career in Quincy, Calif., where in addition to teaching English, journalism, literature and media courses, he also directed plays and coached girls' volleyball at different times. After retirement, he taught Elderhostel courses at a local college in Quincy.

Returning to his home in Iowa, Jack continued his hobbies of experimental gardening, fishing, swimming, traveling, following several sports, and attending local theater, music and cultural events. When his activity became limited, Scrabble was a favorite game, and he continued his passion for reading.

Jack had many friends from past students to new acquaintances, classmates, children, co-workers, neighbors, other hobbyists and with every person he enjoyed in conversation.

Jack is survived by his son, James "Jim" of Reno, Nev.; grandson, Jobe and daughter-in-law, Jennifer of Reno; sisters, Barbara Anthony of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Norine Kott of Sioux City; brother, James "Jim" and wife, Selma of Trinity, Texas; nieces and nephews, Eric, Brian and Stuart Anthony, Cathy Simpson, Jill Rippey and Dana Roberts; cousin, Sallee Rippey Jepsen; and a good friend, Jerry Holland of Quincy, Calif. and Hilo, Hawaii.