James John Rappuhn

James John Rappuhn, aged 86, Saginaw, Michigan, passed away surrounded by love in his home on May 7, 2023. He was born on July 24, 1936, to Christian and Katherine Rappuhn. Jim graduated from Arthur Hill High School, Saginaw, MI in 1955 where he was an accomplished athlete playing Varsity Football for three years. He earned all-Saginaw Valley League honors and was named first team-all state his Junior and Senior years and was the team Captain his Senior Year. Jim also lettered in Track for three years. Jim was honored to be inducted into the Arthur Hill Hall of Fame. His love for football was lifelong. Jim enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 and served his country in Southeast Asia until 1962. While on active duty he earned his Associate Degree. He was a member of the American Legion Post 22, Saginaw, MI and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1566, Saginaw, MI. In 1967 he became a member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 25, Saginaw, MI. He labored with his brothers until his retirement. Jim was proud to have worked on hundreds of job sites across the United States from the Zilwaukee Bridge to the Sears Tower. Jim will be remembered by everyone who knew him as an honest man who embraced every moment of life. Over the course of 86 years he enjoyed many pursuits. He was a farrier, hunter, woodworker, mechanic and an avid lover of duct tape. He loved sports and competitions of any kind. He possessed a larger-than-life personality and quiet passions for music and literature. He is survived by his wife Mary Hemmer and her children Meg Hayes (Ron), Saginaw, MI, William N. Hemmer (Kelly) Glennwood, NM, Dennis K. Hemmer, Traverse City, MI and grandchildren Alexandra Hemmer, Billings, MT, Willson and Cooper Hayes, Saginaw, MI and many other family and friends that will cherish him forever. He is predeceased by his parents Christian and Katherine Rappuhn, and siblings Ruth Rappuhn, Alex Rappuhn, Judy Hirschman, and Mary Rappuhn. Special thanks to Bruce LaBreche and Hilary Lemmer for their friendship and support these last many months. According to Jim’s wishes his body has been donated to the University of Michigan Anatomical Sciences Department. Family will receive visitors at the Wakeman Funeral Home, Inc., 1218 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, on June 17, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. prior to Military Honors at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw, MI. or the charity of your choice.

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James John Rappuhn

July 24, 1936 - May 7, 2023