James Earl Tipton

Jim Tipton, 79, of rural Newtown, Missouri, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

James Earl Tipton was born in Kirksville, Missouri, on July 24, 1943, the son of Orland L. and Fay (Yardley) Tipton. He attended grade school at the rural Centergrove school near his home and graduated from Newtown-Harris High School in 1961. He married Sue Putnam at the Newtown Christian Church on October 14, 1961. To this union three children were born: James Douglas, Michael Scott, and Terri Sue. Jim and Sue bought a farm east of Newtown in 1961 and built a new house in 1965.

Jim worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation from 1963-1969. He then worked for Moorman feeds from 1969-1977. Jim worked at Fowler Elevator in Newtown before he and Bob Robinson owned and operated Newtown Feed Supply from 1977-1985. Jim worked with the Missouri Department of Agriculture inspecting moisture meters and small scales until he retired in 2003.

Jim continued to raise cattle during his working years until declining health caused him to sell out in 2016. He loved to help his children and others with cattle shows, often selling good home-raised steers at below-market value just to help a youngster. Jim liked to ride horses and mules, often riding on trail rides. He also had a fine team of Percheron horses that he dressed up and took to parades. Jim liked to attend the Rutledge flea market. He was a member of the Newtown Saddle Club and served on the Newtown Fair Board. He was also a member of the Newtown Lion’s club before it disbanded and was a member of the Newtown Christian Church. Jim took a genuine interest in people and would help others in many ways.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sue, and his three children; Doug (Kim) Tipton of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Scott (Keri) Tipton of Columbia, Missouri; and Terri Sue (Doug Rinehart) Arias of Bethany, Missouri. His grandchildren are Chase Dekrell, Alexis Fritz, Isabella Arias, Garrett Tipton, Kaylie Fischer, Brandon Coin, and Aden Tipton. Jim’s great grandchildren are Addison Tipton, Hadley Tipton, Cole Tipton, Bella McGrew-Staggs, Klay Fischer, Quinn Fischer, Ashlyn Coin, Tyrone Coin, and one on the way. He is also survived by a nephew, Eddie (Judi) Tipton, a niece, Debbie (Darwin) Alexander, and an “adopted” son Chris Houston.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harold Tipton, as well as a brother who died in infancy.

Funeral services for Jim Tipton will be at the Newtown Christian Church at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 27, 2023, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Newtown Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Newtown Cemetery or the Elmwood Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27 ^th St., Unionville, MO 63565.