James Ross “Jim” Piper, 80

Jim Piper, a former resident of Tracy died in Sacramento, CA, early April 15, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Whitehall, Illinois on October 23, 1936 to Ross and Blanche Lichty Piper.  His father died in January of 1944.  In October 1944, his mother moved the family to Tracy, her former home to be near family.
Jim went to Tracy schools and graduated in 1954.  Ten days after graduation, he and four other Tracy boys joined the Air Force and landed in Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.  After they were discharged, he and Jim Dilly went to England and worked for two years for Douglas Aircraft.  They both married English girls and returned to the Sacramento area.  Jim and Jennie made their home in Rocklin, CA.  He later worked in the space industry on the Apollo project.  Dilly and Jim remained friends until Jim’s death.
Jim was preceded in death by his sister Janet Martin and her husband Wayne, brother Richard and infant sister Nancy.
He is survived by Jennie, his wife of 57 years; children Julie Adams (Doug), Jim Piper and Jackie Fralick (Chad); sister Virginia Sherman (Bob); six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  He was a good neighbor and friend to many, and a very special Uncle Jim.