James Ralph Nipper of Belgrade, Missouri, was born on September 6, 1938 in Belgrade, Missouri, a son of the late Hurst Nipper and the late Ethel (Jenkins) Nipper. Jim went to his heavenly home on December 27, 2022, having reached the age of 84.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his children: Davy Skaggs (wife, Carol), Richard Skaggs (wife, Connie), Vickie Piercy (husband, Richard), Eddie Nipper (wife, Melinda), Elsie Nipper; eight grandchildren: Shawn (Giles) King, James Skaggs, Kerry (Kristen) Klein, Richard Jr (Kimberly) Skaggs, Christopher (Sarah) Skaggs, Sabreena Clewett (husband, Taz), Eddie Nipper Jr, Christina, Amber, James, Wesley, Ann, Joseph, and Summer Nipper; a host of great and great-great grandchildren; and siblings: Clyde Nipper, Cyril “CJ” Nipper (wife, Bonnie), and Deloris Akers.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Nipper on October 24, 2022; siblings: George Nipper, Erma Hudson, and Bernell Nipper; and granddaughter, Amanda Rose Nipper.

A Visitation will be Monday, January 2, 2023, from 5 to 8 pm, and continuing on Tuesday January 3, 2023 from 10 to 11 am, at DeClue Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 11 am, at the DeClue Memorial Chapel, officiated by Sister Jenny Nettles. Interment and final prayers will follow the service at Caledonia Methodist Cemetery where he will be laid to rest by his wife, Melba. Military honors will be presented by the United States Army.

DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have served the family of Mr. Jim Nipper.