James ‘Jim’ A. Kipling
ISHPEMING, MI – James “Jim” A. Kipling, age 62, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI on Wednesday March 7, 2018. He is now happily reunited with the love of his life, Peggy, in heaven.
Jim was born in Ishpeming on April 17, 1955 to the late William and Geraldine (Rice) Kipling. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School class of 1973. Upon graduation, Jim began working at the Presque Isle Power Plant, retiring in 2016 after 42+ years of dedicated service.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, Peggy, on August 23, 1975. Jim’s life revolved around his family. He loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports and rarely missed a game. Jim enjoyed cooking for family and friends. He was a master on the Weber grill and loved to entertain around the pool. His grandsons, Jaren and Jayce, always requested “Papa’s famous pancakes.”
Jim was a longtime member of the Riverside Club, Ishpeming Cribbage League, and Ishpeming Horseshoe League where he will be remembered as being one of the best throwers of all time. He was a member of the Monday Night Industrial Bowling League, where he threw his first 300 game on March 13, 2017 in the presence of his son and brother. He also enjoyed playing softball, golf, fishing for brook trout, and cruising in his “Little Red Corvette.”
Jim is survived by his 2 children- Brian (Sara Polini) Kipling of Ishpeming, Kara (Josh) Ball of Negaunee, 2 brothers- Roger (Bonny) Kipling of Ishpeming, Terry (Katherine) Kipling of Spring Lake, MI, grandsons Jaren and Jayce Kipling, granddaughter Eden Ball, grand-dog Daisy, nieces and nephews- Heather (Mark) Pease, Eric (Betsy) Kipling, Michele (Jon) DeVold, Kristin (Austyn) Laitinen, along with his Aunt Alice Rice and numerous great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Peggy (Korpi) Kipling, infant brother- Tommy Kipling, and his in-laws- Irvin and Alice Korpi.
Jim’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday March 14, 2018 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 1:00pm with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery at a later date. Jim’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.