James W. Wallpe, age 96 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away on May 5, 2024, at St. Andrew’s Health Campus in Batesville. Born March 8, 1928, in Ripley County Indiana, he is the son of Elmer and Eleanor (Nee: Burst) Wallpe. He married Rosemary Burkhart on September 6, 1952, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg, Indiana and they were together for 52 years, before she preceded him in death on July 31, 2004. He met Rev. Juanita Connerley and were married in 2005, before she preceded him in death on December 24, 2016. He was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1461, and the Eagles Aerie #1130.
During Jim’s working years, he was a truck driver for Johnson’s in Greensburg. In the 1950’s, he owned the Sinclair Station in Greensburg and then went to work at Ford Philco in Connersville, Indiana. He then entered the real estate business working for Lingle Real Estate and finally worked at the Public Service of Indiana Substation in Batesville for 35 years, before retiring.
Jim enjoyed family gatherings as well as with his many friends. He was always the life of the party with his jokes and stories of the crazy things he did in the past. Jim enjoyed traveling and never met a stranger. He worked hard and played even harder.
He enjoyed boating on the Ohio river racing barges and camping on the “island” in the middle of the river. He was an avid golfer and one of the founding fathers of the annual family golf outing “the BWF”. He also enjoyed bowling and spending some long evenings at Huser’s. He was also fond of his home-made wine, offering it to all of his guests.
He is survived by his daughters Connie Wuestefeld of Batesville, Carolyn “Susie” (Don) Schwegman of Greensburg, and Marita “Rita” (Gary) Meyer of Oldenburg; daughters-in-law Kathryn and Paula Wallpe, both of Greensburg; sister Audrey (Jack) Elliot of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren Tim and Eric Wuestefeld, Lori Pulskamp, Andrea Walterman, Nathan and Kristine Wallpe, Doug and Kevin Schwegman, Kayla Romine, and Grant Meyer; 17 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wives Rosie and Juanita, Jim was preceded in death by his sons Jerry and Scott Wallpe; son-in-law Alvin “Al” Wuestefeld; sister Jeannie Haverkos and brothers Raymond and Kenneth Wallpe.
Jim and family would like to express their appreciation for the loving care and attention given by the staff at St. Andrew’s Health Campus and the Margaret Mary Hospice staff for their exceptional care and support.
Visitation is Friday, May 10th, from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville, with Fr. Stan Pondo officiating. The burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis School or the Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.