- Born on: January 14, 1921
- Departed on: October 21, 2011
James C. Pippenger
My father, Glen Whiting, is a resident at Hiawatha Care Center and "Pip" was a tablemate at mealtimes. I am a frequent visitor and had many delightful conversations with "Pip" at the table. He was a very intelligent, well-mannered, dignified, and funny man. I enjoyed the time we spent with him very much, as did my father. I loved listening to him tell about his time in WWII and his time in Venezuela. I learned a lot about planes! We will miss him and his smile. Rebecca Frazier
It was with great sadness that I learned from Colonel Tim & Gail Davison of Jim's passing. It had been quite some time that the Church, State & Industry Foundation had a board meeting, and I knew that Pip's health was failing. I first met Jim at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in 2007, when he was taking a tour and talking about the Foundation that he had started. I was fascinated by his life story, service in World War II, move to Venezuela, pilot conditions in South America in the 1940s and 1950s, and building a company in Venezuela, where he spent much of his adult life. During a lunch one afternoon in Cedar Rapids, Pip told me about a story involving a challenge he endured involving his downed B52, and how he had made a promise to God to "give back" if He saw it in Him to get that aircraft back in the air. And miraculously, it happened. So, Pip said that he wanted to "give back" by through a Foundation where he would provide scholarships to seminarians who had committed to serve as Chaplains in any branch of the United States Armed Forces. He made that commitment a reality, and I am honored to be a part of it. Mr. Pipenger was very well-respected, and was responsible for the re-publishing of the book, "Days of Anguish, Days of Hope" by Billy Keith, which is the story of a U.S. Army Chaplain, who endured the Bataan Death March, and who led Soldiers enduring the most austere of conditions, and did so through spiritual leadership. Not only did he spearhead the re-publishing of this book, but through the Military Chaplains Association, he made a copy available to ALL Chaplains and Chaplain Candidates in the United States Armed Forces, as well as to the Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. Why? I'm sure that there are many reasons, but I know that chief among them was his belief that we need to learn through the experiences of this Chaplain, and anyone who has read the book would understand. I knew Mr. Pipenger to be a resourceful man, a man of intelligence, a man of honor, dignity, and respect. Some could say that our world is a bit worse off now that Jim is no longer with us. I believe that he is a model about how one person can make an impact - an investment in the future. I have many fond memories of Mr. Jim Pipenger, and I hope to model him in my daily life when I am in the late Winter of my life. Thank you for your service, Mr. Pipenger. Rest In Peace.
Hi Marci, We will miss Jim & the wonderful stories we so much enjoyed during our Texas winters where we got to know both of you. Jim was a very kind & gentle person. Meeting you in Dubuque, IA was the highlight of our summer. He was great asset to our country. We will always remember the gentlemen that came up to Jim in the New Braunfels airport where they had brought in a B24 plane like he had flown to get his signature on their shirts. What an honor which he so deserved for serving our country! Please accept our condolences & please know that you'll be in our prayers now & in the future as you go through this very hard time. Bill & Jan Faivre
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
My Grandfather Pilot Bill Ray flew with this man during WWll. My Family keeps you and your family in our hearts.
