James Ruppert

I’m sorry to inform our friends and family that Jim Ruppert passed away at Kettering Hospital, April 22nd. He had suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for about 7 years and succumbed to it. Jim was 85 years old.

Some people are born special and Jim was one of those. He was born and raised in Franklin. In fact, he was born at home in the big house across from the Central School Building. He graduated from Franklin High School and was at the top of his class. He attended UC for 2 years before getting an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. While at West Point, Jim thrived and was one of the leaders of the Corps.

Rupert remembers and states,

“I’ll never forget going to West Point for his graduation with Mom and Dad and sister, Janet. It was a glorious day. The entire Corps of 2,400 cadets marched onto the field and who was the first person out, leading the Corps? It was Jim. He was a born leader. Following West Point, Jim went into the U.S. Army and went to Ranger School and successfully completed his ranger training.”

During the U.S.- Russian Missile Crisis in 1962, Jim was an intelligence officer and was sent to Florida with the Invasion Force. Because of Jim’s skill, he was chosen to fly over in a reconnaissance jet to study Cuban and Russian troop deployments, and prepare a report. He reported directly to a 3 star general and when the Command Staff had one of their final invasion briefings and almost all were Generals and Colonels. Because Jim was so well prepared and knowledgeable, the General had Jim give a part of the briefing – pretty unheard of for a 1st Lieutenant.

Following the Army, Jim attended UC Law School, where he was editor of the Law Review – quite an honor.

After law school, Jim practiced law and was elected Warren County Prosecutor and then ran for U.S Congress twice. Both times in a heavily Republican District, he lost but by less than 1% each time.

During his legal career, Jim was recognized as one of the best trial attorneys in the State. He won a number of multi-million dollar trials and won many high profile criminal cases.

In 1996, Jim argued a criminal case in front of the United States Supreme Court. I believe he is the only attorney in the history of Warren County to argue a case in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Jim was elected Franklin Municipal Court Judge and sat on the bench for 20 years before his retirement.

Despite all of Jim’s successes, it was his dignity and grace that stood out most. By nature, he was a fairly quiet person and no one ever heard him brag about any of his accomplishments.

While practicing as an Attorney and Judge, he treated all persons with dignity, respect and kindness, while administering the highest level of judicial competence.

Jim was one of 10 siblings, 9 of whom are now deceased. “I was reminded that I often said, being the youngest of 10, I might end up seeing all my brothers and sisters die before me. It has come to pass. I miss them all”, Rupert recalled.

Jim was the father of two sons, Todd and JD, his namesake who has passed. Todd is married to Shanna and they have two daughters Kolbi Colleen, Elizabeth Riley and one son Max Thomas James Ruppert. All of whom loved him dearly and will miss him. Those family vacations, and time spent together in Franklin and Colorado will be cherished memories.

We will miss Jim for his kindness, compassion, wit and generosity and just being Jim. Jim Ruppert was a special man.

A Memorial Service honoring Jim’s life will be held Friday at 1:00 pm April 30, 2021 at the Anderson Funeral Home 40 N. Main St. Springboro. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am for friends and family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Downs Syndrome Assoc. of Greater Cincinnati, 4623 Wesley Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45212.