Obituary of Col. James Eugene Kupkee

We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of our dearly loved Jim. Beloved husband of wife Kim ("Jimmy’s Kimmy"), proud and loving father of Dr. Ian Kupkee (Lynn) of Miami Florida, dearly loved brother of Margery ("my kid sis’ Marge") McKay and Gerald (Barbara). He is also survived by his father-in-law, Hibbert McGuire (Flo), several brothers and sisters-in-law, wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great niece and nephew, and special cousin Pauline (Lacey) Boyd. Predeceased by his dear parents, Herbert Eugene Kupkee and Lucy Lily Hopcutt, and his first wife Shirley (Shanne) Kyd. Jim was born in Saint John on August 18, 1930, and spent his young years growing up in the village of Wirral in Queens County. He completed High School and Teacher’s College in Fredericton, followed by a year as a teacher at Harvey High School. This was followed by a year at UNB Fredericton, and in 1950, he decided to realize his long-time dream; to fly with the Canadian Air Force. His 35 years of dedicated service included many interesting assignments which include 18 months of flying on the Korean airlift, a two year posting in Paris as a member of the crew flying for the Commanding General of the newly-formed Canadian Air Division, and three years as an instructor at the RCAF’s Navigation School in Winnipeg, and as an Assistant Air Attache at the Canadian Embassy in Moscow, USSR, utilizing his studies and proficiency of the Russian language as a translator and interpreter. Thereafter, Jim had a number of interesting appointments in the field of military intelligence. These included a four year exchange tour in Washington, DC, a seven year assignment in Nato, Europe, and several assignments at the headquarters in Ottawa. In 1985, Jim retired and arrived back to his home province, beginning another wonderful season of his life with his family and then his wife, Kim. Jim loved living an active, full life with many interests. He loved the sport of riding and filled much of his early retirement learning the beauty and discipline of Dressage. For many years, he enjoyed serving as a ringmaster and show announcer of local competitions. He had a great admiration for music, and for many years, he and his wife enjoyed attending the N.B. Symphony. He believed it was important to support the "Arts." Jim’s love for singing was infectious, and he so enjoyed the time he spent singing with the "Men of Fundy." Throughout his many years of retirement he heartily involved himself with many other associations and clubs. He was a former member of the Korean Veteran’s Association, the Masonic Lodge, Probus, and the Air Force Association of Canada. Jim was an active member of the N.B. Turnbull Chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, and the Royal Canadian Legion. Jim truly felt it was important to support Veteran Tributes and he faithfully attended them as his way of supporting the families and honouring his comrades. He was a faithful supporter of the Canadian Blood Services and the staff was like family to him. He was a long term active donor of plasma pheresis. Jim absolutely believed in the motto, "If you can give, you should." One of his greatest enjoyments was his active participation in the St. Andrews Society of Saint John, which he joined in November ’99. He served as the Society’s Secretary, was its First Vice President and then its President. As he once said, "I found serving on the Society’s Executive a most interesting and rewarding experience. One is involved in the planning and the carrying out of all of the Society’s activities, there was a great team spirit and it was all really quite enjoyable." Jim loved nature and keeping fit at Ken-Val Rehab and spending time outdoors, especially in "the sun." He appreciated life in the simplest ways; watching the birds on the deck, going for a quiet canoe ride, or just a walk with "Norton the dog." He liked to see others happy and enjoying life, and spending time with his dear family and friends. He treasured his day trips back to his old stomping grounds with his sister Marge and brother Gerry, and his annual family dinners with his wife Kim, Gerry and Marge, and their spouses. He wanted the best for his many nieces and nephews, great nephews and nieces, and great great nephews. One of his greatest fulfillments was seeing his son, Ian, happy and becoming a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine. Jim was a pillar of strength and encouragement to his wife Kimberley and supported her in so many ways. The students that Kim tutors will never forget, "Mr. Kupkee’s chocolate chip cookies." They are irreplaceable just like him. Jim and Kim loved their life together. They loved to travel and made many happy memories in their 22 years of marriage. Kim dearly loved him and always will. "Lt. Col. James E. Kupkee", "Papa", "James," "Jim," or, just "Jimmy" were all one person, but one of a kind, that will be forever missed and loved. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM from St. John’s (Stone) Church, 87 Carleton Street, Saint John. For those who wish, remembrances to the Gabriel Kuling Memorial Fund, the Canadian Cancer Society, or to any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Please place online condolences and remembrances at www.BrenansFH.com. A Royal Canadian Legion Veteran Tribute service will be held on Tuesday at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.