JIM FLIPPEN 1948 – 2023

Mr. Jim Flippen, 74, of Navasota, passed away Thursday, February 2, at his home. The family will receive visitors beginning at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, at Nobles Funeral Chapel. A celebration of his life will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Steve Coker officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

Jim was born in Orange, TX, on December 17, 1948, to Menville & Dorothy Flippen. He graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in Orange, TX, and attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, TX. While in college Jim began working at Metcalf Funeral Home which turned out to be the beginning of a career in the funeral industry that spanned 50 years. After graduating from the Commonwealth College of Sciences (Mortuary School) in 1973, Jim worked for Earthman’s Funeral Home and Levy Brothers Funeral Home before moving to the vendor side of the industry where he worked for Batesville Casket Company and Aurora Casket Company. He was a member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association (TFDA) Disaster Response team, named TFDA Supplier of the Year (1996) as well as memberships on several TFDA committees and various industry sales awards. He was also a member of the Alumni Board at the mortuary college.

Outside of his professional life, Jim had several passions he pursued. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed being outside with family and friends. He also enjoyed playing golf, although self admittedly not very well. In the early 2000’s, Jim became a baseball and softball umpire and was involved with multiple districts and associations, calling games at the local level as well as area and state tournaments. Later in life, Jim could usually be found at home tending to his miniature Herefords, horses, chickens, ducks, geese and dogs.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary Flippen; son, Brian Flippen & wife Lauren; daughter, Lisa Sette and husband Scott; brothers, Flip Flippen & wife Susan and Mike Flippen & wife Kendall; sister, Debbie Krenek & husband Tim; and grandchildren, Kiley & Harper Flippen, John and Dominic Sette.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Texas Funeral Directors Association, PO Box 81741, Austin, TX 78708 or the Grimes County Little League, PO Box 80, Navasota, TX  77868. 

You are invited to leave fond memories or kind words at www.noblesfuneral.com.