Obituary: Tipke, James Maxfield
Age 77
He was raised in Hillyard and attended Cooper School and Rogers High School.
After leaving Rogers he graduated from the school of hard knocks.
After school, Jim spent a brief time in the Marine Corps Reserve.
Jim shared a passion with his father working on and racing cars.
At an early age he was instilled with a strong work ethic.
In 1963, Jim started his own business fabricating cars, utilizing the engineering skills he studied while recuperating from a serious injury.
Jim dedicated his life to building his business and growing his family.
Many summers were spent at the lake cabin and winters alpine skiing with his family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Melissa Tipke; children Gaye Feighner and Joel Tipke (Jill Pagano) along with their mother, Darlean Tipke-Kane; children Jenny (Trevor) Sall, Chris Medley, Megan (Mike) Walsh; much-loved granddaughter Carissa Walsh; sisters LaRae Fant, Shirley (Tom) Hoon, Judy (Tully) Taylor and Joanne (Tim) Comer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
A gathering to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015, at the Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln, Spokane, WA, from 2-5 PM.
Please use the west entrance on Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Rogers High School Scholarship Fund, 1622 E. Wellesley, Spokane, WA 99207.