James R. Tripp

James “Jim” Ronald Tripp, 85, of Bourbonnais, went to be with the Lord this past Sunday morning (Jan. 20, 2019) surrounded by his wife and children. He was born Oct. 18, 1933, in Spring Lake, Mich. He graduated from high school in Lowell, Mich., received his business administration degree in 1965 from Olivet Nazarene University and immediately transitioned into the role of physical plant director, a position he held for 40 years. At Olivet, he supervised the addition of countless new buildings while removing older structures. He loved his job at Olivet everyday and had always been a big promoter of the university. Jim established the position of physical plant director and public safety. He was the backbone of the everyday function of the university. He supervised countless staff and students, impacting their lives professionally, personally and spiritually. Jim served on the Kankakee County Board for more than 53 years, which is the longest county board member in Illinois state history. He served the county proudly and enjoyed debating hot topics with both parties. One of the most notable actions as a board member was that he saved millions of dollars for the county on the construction of the Kankakee Correctional Center. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene. Jim also served as a church board member at both College Church of the Nazarene and First Church of the Nazarene and as a Nazarene district board member. Jim had many friends, both young and old, hunting buddies, his coffee group, church and community. Even in his last days, he proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ and wanted to be sure everyone knew and accepted Jesus as their personal savior so he would see them again in heaven. Through his contributions and commitment to the university and community, all family and friends can say is “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Surviving are his wife of 65 and a half years, Joan (Mumau) Tripp; his children and spouses, daughter, Cinda (Ron) Scarlett, of Edmond, Okla.; son, Dr. J.R. (Janis) Tripp, of Bourbonnais, and son, Jeff (Bonnie) Tripp, of Hillsboro, Ore.; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his mother, Ruth Ione Bogardus; his father, James Roscoe Tripp; and his sister, Lucy. His sisters, Ila and Marge, reside in Michigan. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at College Church of the Nazarene. An additional time for visitation will be from 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, until the 11 a.m. service, also at the church. Memorials may be made to Olivet Nazarene University to be used for scholarships or to Hospice of Kankakee Valley. Please sign his online guestbook at jensenmemorial.com.