James Michael “Jim” Rapien, age 87, of Cassville, Missouri passed away Monday, October 26, 2026 at Oak Pointe of Monett in Monett, Missouri.
He was born April 23, 1939 in Grand Island, Nebraska, the son of John Richard and Pauline Marie (Liebsack) Rapien. On June 1, 1968 in Rudd, Iowa he was united in marriage to Marilyn Brewer, who survives. Also surviving are his sons, Cory Rapien and wife Tanya of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Brett Rapien and wife Trisha of Cassville, Missouri; sisters, Constance Mehler and husband Frank of St. Louis, Missouri and Deborah Larmore and husband Daniel of Marshalltown, Iowa; grandchildren, Neisha (Aidan), Paige (Bryce), Masen, Anya, Jo Jo, Mae, and Daxton; great grandchildren, Briggs, Vinny, Gavin, Jhent, and Lorelai, and special friends, Abby, Gabe, Joe and Michael.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Jim attended school in New London, Missouri, graduating from New London High School. He continued his education at Western Illinois University then Utah State University in Logan, Utah, where he earned a master’s degree in education. Jim dedicated many years to teaching and coaching at the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Community School District in Rockford, Iowa, from 1963 until his retirement in 2000. Jim and his wife, Marilyn, made their home in Cassville in 2013 after moving from Rudd, Iowa.
In his spare time, Jim enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and gardening, especially growing tomatoes. Jim will be remembered for his years of dedication to teaching and coaching. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, October 30, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Bryce Huddleston will conduct the services. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time Friday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.
