James W. Klepinger Sr., 86, West Lafayette, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, at his residence. He had been ill for one year.

He was born March 29, 1915, to William H and Maude Sherril Klepinger, in Tippecanoe County. He was married March 14, 1946, to Ruby "Betty" Pitman at the First Christian Church, Lafayette. She survives.

He graduated in 1932 from the Battle Ground High School.

He was a retired farmer and was named Tippecanoe County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1989.

He was a member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and a member of the Tippecanoe County Farm Bureau Association.

He is survived by his wife; three sons; James W. Klepinger, Jr., West Lafayette; Thomas G. (Kathy) Klepinger, Lafayette and Richard E. (Catherine) Shipley of Ben Wheeler, Texas; three daughters, Beverly Potts, West Lafayette; Susan E. (Danny) Crawford and Janet B. (Merle) Dulin, both of Brookston; 13 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter.

A brother, John E. Klepinger and a sister, Mary Jane Klepinger are deceased.

Graveside services for family and friends were held Friday at the Battle Ground Cemetery with the Rev. Jan Dimich officiating.