James Lyle Tripp

James Lyle Tripp entered into rest on Friday, February 26, 2021 in Saint Louis Missouri. James was the beloved husband of the late Oleta Tripp, the loving father of Leslie Matlock, a devoted grandfather to Joseph James; and special friend of the late Gladys Staats.

Jim was born in Pilot Knob, Missouri on July 16, 1939 to Leamond Honis Tripp and Ruby Merel Hawkins Tripp. He had a brother, Linden Tripp, who preceded Jim in death. He graduated from high school in 1957 and in 1962, enlisted in the US Army to serve his country. He met his best friend, Ron Wilbanks, in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, and they remained best friend all their lives. They were both assigned to a chaplain and traveled quite a bit while in the military. This created in Jim a love for world travel. His passions included botany, music, arts, and travel. He enjoyed many days at the Missouri Botanical Gardens with his church friends.

Jim met the love of his life, Oleta Layton, at International Shoe Company. They would ride the train back and forth together from Farmington to St. Louis. After Jim was discharged, he and Oleta married in 1965. They were married 28 years when Oleta passed in 1993.

Jim loved to entertain, shop, and spend time with his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be Saturday, March 27, at 2:30pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, where Full Military Honors will be bestowed promptly at 2:30pm.

There will be a time for gathering and fellowship from 1-2:30pm.

Please leave a favorite memory of Jim for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory to the Missouri Botanical Gardens would be greatly appreciated.