Pippenger, James C.

James C. Pippenger, 90, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at the Hiawatha Care Center, Hiawatha. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church Chapel, Cedar Rapids, with the Rev. Lloyd Brockmeyer officiating. A memorial gathering will be held from 10:30 a.m. until service time Monday at the chapel.

Survivors include his loving wife, Marcia; stepsons, Blayne and Brett Medema, both of Cedar Rapids; stepdaughter, Kelie Moe;  and four grandchildren, Kristin and Davis Moe and Riley and Cade Medema.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Dinah Pippenger; and brothers, Robert, Joseph and Richard.

James C. Pippenger was born Jan. 14, 1921, in Plymouth, Ind., the son of Clayton and Dinah Pippenger. Jim was a veteran of the Army Air Corps during World War II and was a B24 pilot in the 467th Bomber group. His military service included flying 35 missions over Germany in 1944-45. Following his military service, Jim was a pilot for Trans World Airlines for one year, Venezuelan Airlines for 10 years and was co-founder and president of Ingenieria de Combustion, C.A. of Caracas, Venezuela for 45 years.

He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, was a 33 degree Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner and honorary life member of the Military Chaplains Association.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Jim's name to the Church, State, Industry Foundation (which awards military chaplains scholarships) which he founded and funded at .

Online condolences may be left at

Published Oct. 23, 2011, in The Gazette