James Edward Rapp

James Edward Rapp, 64, of Vienna, W.Va., passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Jim was born on April 16, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1971, and joined the United States Navy in 1972. Jim was stationed in San Diego, CA serving aboard the USS Agerholm during the Vietman War. After his service to our country, Jim returned home and worked for DuPont Washington Works until his retirement in 2014, and continued employment at the Washington Works site with Kuraray America Inc. until the day of his cancer diagnosis. Jim put on Christ in baptism on October 5, 2003 and dearly loved his Grand Central Church of Christ family. Jim's childhood dream was to be a gym teacher, and he fulfilled this dream by coaching with the following programs; volleyball and track at Parkersburg Catholic HS, volleyball and softball at Williamstown HS, and collegiate softball at Ohio Valley University. Jim enjoyed hunting, watching sports, spending time with his wife and, prior to diagnosis, had intended to move to their favorite vacation spot, St. Augustine, FL. The Rapp's were preparing to celebrate their 23rd anniversary on December 18th. Jim is survived by his wife, Jan Rapp, his step-mother, Ginny Rapp, of Vienna, his brother, Randy (Cassie) Rapp, of Vienna, his sister, Debbie (Donny) Allen, of Lincoln Park, MI, his brother, John (Casey) Ball of Ocala, FL, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Patty Harding of Vienna, WV, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Diane and Greg Burd of North Hills,Parkersburg. Jim also treasured his role as uncle to Kimberly Allen Lampley, Steven Allen, Carrie Rapp, Shelly Rapp Davis, David Wright and Morgan Wright; and as great-uncle to Terrance Wright , Quinton Wright, Coltyn Wright, Charlotte Allen and Eden Lampley. He also leaves behind his beloved Boston Terrier, Austin Grace Rapp. Jim was preceded in death by his Grandmother, Pansy Gladys Rapp, his father, James Ray Rapp, his mother, Anna Mae Ball, an infant nephew, Mason William Wright, and his Pug dog, Chloe Faith Rapp. Jim loved to share his faith and church with others and wished for his loved ones to honor his memory with a celebration of life at the Grand Central Church of Christ in Vienna, WV, on Saturday, December 10th at 4:00 P.M. with a fellowship meal to follow. Jim's ashes will be scattered privately at the Rapp family farm in Wirt County, WV and offshore at St. Augustine Beach, FL. Jim and Jan would like to thank Dr. Frank Lieberman, Susanna Gjurich, and staff-University of Pittsburg Medical Center; Dr. Gabor Altdorfer and staff, Dr. Nik Shah and staff, and social worker Marilyn McClure-Camden Clark Medical Center; Dr. Stephan Hanna, Bria Hull and staff-Cornerstone Healthcare; and Annie Hurst, RN., Diana Jones and staff-Housecalls Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations will be used towards a scholarship in Jim's memory to an incoming female athlete at Ohio Valley University for the upcoming school year. Please send donations to Jan Rapp c/o Grand Central Church of Christ offices, 373 Timberline Pkwy, Vienna, WV 26105.