James Cuppett, 79, died Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 28, 2009 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Mark Helgeland officiating. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.

Visitation will be 5 " 8 PM, Friday, February 27, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to service at the church, Saturday.

James Paul Cuppett was born March 4, 1929 at Akron, OH, the son of Theodore and Nettie (Yehnert) Cuppett. He was baptized in the United Brethren Church and confirmed in the Lutheran faith as an adult at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls on December 21, 1958. He attended elementary school in Ohio and attained his G.E.D. from Strandquist High School, Strandquist, MN.

He entered into the United States Air Force, August 19, 1947 at Cleveland, OH and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant, December 18, 1950. After the Korean War broke out, Jim re-enlisted to serve his country in the Air Force, December 19, 1950 and was honorably discharged, December 14, 1956 as Technical Sergeant at Youngstown, OH. His awards included the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Jim was united in marriage to Annabelle Safira Peterson, August 11, 1951 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls. To this union 4 children were born: Terri, Chris, Marchell and Paul. In 1957, the couple returned to Thief River Falls, where they continued to live.

He worked at Lind Motor Supply for a short time, then started teaching welding at the Vo-Tech in Thief River Falls, where he continued teaching until his retirement in 1985. After retirement, Jim volunteered at Northwest Medical Center in occupational therapy, where he worked for over 1000 hours.

Jim enjoyed woodworking and there wasnt anything he couldnt make. He also did welding sculpturing including the Good Shepherd metal sculpture at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. In 1967 he built their home as well as the house next door on South Crocker Avenue. He enjoyed camping with his family and he and Annabelle did some traveling over the years.

He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and served as its President, a member of Minnesota Education Association, where he served as President of the local M.E.A. and was active on the state level. He was a member of Ekelund-Holmstrom American Legion, Thief River Falls, where he served as Commander. He served as District Commander of the American Legion and as Vice Commander of the Department. Jim served on the color guard and was a member of the 40 et 8.

Jim is survived by loving wife of 57 years, Annabelle Cuppett, Thief River Falls, MN; 4 children: Reverend Terri Cuppett, Thief River Falls, MN, Chris Cuppett, Thief River Falls, MN, Dr. Marchell (Tom Edrington) Cuppett, Tampa, Fl and Lt. Col. Paul (Joanna) Cuppett, Omaha, NB; 5 grandchildren: Derek Austin, Kyle Austin, Haley, Brexon and Ryder Cuppett; a brother, Neil (Billie) Cuppett, Akron, OH; an aunt, Catherine Cannon, Austin, TX, along with several nieces and nephews, and his faithful dog, Penny.

Jim was preceded in death by parents and brother, Ted.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

PIANIST: Reid Froiland
SOLOIST: Greg Dally
SELECTIONS: Go Rest High on That Mountain and Jesus Loves Me Medley
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Abide With Me and Lift High the Cross
MILITARY HONORS: American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117 & Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793