James Samuel Flippin

James S. Flippin, age 95, retired mechanical engineer for Boeing, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Funeral services will be Monday, August 17, 10:00am at the First Baptist Church 306 Ross Ave, Clearwater, KS.

James (Jim) was born on a farm in Flippin, Arkansas in 1931. His family moved to southeast Missouri after losing their farm in the Great Depression. He graduated from High School in Dexter, Missouri in 1948. Despite the challenges of the times, Jim had a happy childhood and cherished his memories of growing up with his cousins and siblings. Jim joined the United States Navy during the Korean War in 1950. His first assignment was shore duty at the Great Lakes Navy Base. One night at a dance in Milwaukee, he met Joanne Braun. He said she was the prettiest woman he’d ever seen and thought that for the rest of his life. They married on April 19, 1952, and had five children.

After the Navy, Jim attended Missouri University of Science and Technology, graduating in 1962 with a degree in engineering. He enjoyed a long career as both a mechanical and aeronautical engineer and retired from Boeing in 1995. He was particularly proud of his work troubleshooting B-52 bombers.

Jim was a tinkerer and inventor his entire life. His ability to naturally understand machines and innate curiosity led to several patents, the latest granted in 2021 for a self-erecting cargo power drive unit.

After retiring, he and his wife Joanne traveled throughout the United States, including a memorable six-week RV trip to Alaska.

Jim loved his family dearly and especially delighted in the addition of his great-grandchildren to the fold. Jim also enjoyed the company of many dear friends who kept him lively with deep conversations and a glass of wine.

He was preceded in death by his wife, of 68 years Joanne (Braun) Flippin; parents, John and Grace (Reed) Flippin; siblings, Clifton, Hugh, Dorothy, Bernice, and Lola; daughter, Barbara Suderman; grandson, Spenser Flippin.

Jim is survived by children, Mark (Joann) Flippin of Pigeon Falls, TN, David Flippin of Lawrence, KS, John Flippin of Wichita, KS, and Jennifer (Scott McDaniel) Flippin of Lawrence, KS; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.