Dates
Jim was born on June 16, 1943, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Walter and Bessie Strappel.
He attended West Point Post School in grade school and junior high, (meeting Carolyn in eighth grade in 1957, in Dr. Burton’s class). Jim said Carolyn was “way out of my league,” and Carolyn said, “A lot of girls liked Dad.” Jim graduated from Highland Falls High School, in Highland Falls, NY thereafter. Jim met Carolyn again in 1962 and this time it didn’t take long for them to decide to begin a life together. Their sacred marriage covenant began on August 31, 1963 in Highland Falls, NY.
Jim began college, with Carolyn’s loving support right away, graduating and entering the work world. They began their work of building a home and a life together in New York State. Upon graduation from Orange County Community College, Jim interviewed with Westinghouse, IBM and GTE, ultimately settling on GTE. In 1978, GTE was sold in New York State, providing the family an opportunity for a new adventure - moving to Texas that same year, as Jim was transferred to work in the General Office in San Angelo, TX. Jim continued to be steadily promoted through the ranks.
This work relationship resulted in a decades-long career that served the Company and the Strappel family abundantly. Jim retired in 1995 after twenty-eight years of service, putting his children and grandson through college and providing everything his family could possibly need.
Jim was known for his driven nature and competitiveness, and that manifested in sports, his work ethos and anything he set out to accomplish.
Jim was an avid and accomplished hockey player in high school and early adulthood, essentially passing on an opportunity to hone those skills in a promising professional setting in favor of his commitment to Carolyn and starting a family.
Jim competed in baseball and football in high school and in drag racing throughout most of his life, enjoying that activity with his son-in-law into his seventies, competing in drag racing competitions together with a 1964 Pontiac GTO - almost identical to the car he drove in 1965.
More importantly, and notably, Jim knew what integrity and honor meant, and he always let that guide him in his decisions, relationships, in his marriage and fatherhood. He approached his life simply and commanded a quiet strength that all of us benefited from, friends and family. Jim let his actions do the talking, and understood that love meant sacrifice. He sacrificed for many, due to the love he had for so many.
Grace Christian Church was Jim’s church home for 45 years. He invested his time, efforts and love there in a variety of capacities. Jim was a man of faith with the heart of a servant. He would never say no to anything, from being a church elder, deacon, trustee, and worship leader, to a window washer, light bulb changer, kitchen organizer or painter. He played an important role in establishing a columbarium at First Christian Church, later to become Grace Christian, and the project was close to his heart.
Jim was grateful for his faith family, and as much as anything, it formed him, slowly and steadily over the decades. It was a relationship of love, loyalty and commitment that served to “feed” him and the community. Jim always looked forward to being at the church whether it was to sign checks, clean out the attic, lead worship, work in the food pantry, pray with family or just visit with Cheryl, Debbie, Joann or Lee. He treasured them and the way they gave to the church.
Jim had a great passion for and worked in many ministries. He worked with the Food Pantry, Living Nativity of the Concho Christmas Celebration, Texas Wheelchair Ramp Project and Meals for the Elderly, to name only a few.
His retirement was full of grandson time, great-grandson time, lots of ball throwing and tug of war with Gracie (their yellow lab), gardening, feeding the fish and birds, drag racing and quiet moments at the lake with Carolyn. Additionally, some of it was spent loyally supporting his college team of choice on Saturdays.
After his grandson’s graduation from Texas A&M, he cheered for the same team every Saturday and looked forward to the family gathering around the living room to share an Aggie victory (most times).
Jim’s humility, compassion, drive and commitment inspired all who knew him. He loomed large in his family as the leader and humbly served his precious faith community with love. Jim will be remembered most for the love he had for his family, and the rock solid, steady support of those he loved.
Jim’s greatest love was his family - particularly and especially his abundant love for his wife and their marriage that lasted 63 years and radiated inspiration to us all. Jim’s presence, hearty laughter, genuineness, loving smile and steady nature will be missed always. He was our rock in difficult moments.
The family would like to acknowledge the loving, qualified care that Jim received from the staff at Gentiva Hospice here in San Angelo. Jeanie, Danielle Bethany, Monica and Christie.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; son, Anthony Strappel (Nancy); daughter, Julie Wheat (Neil); grandson, Garrett Wheat (Kelly); great-grandsons, Walker Wheat and Cooper Wheat; nephew, Frank Blackmon (Clare); nephew, Robert Paul Strappel and niece Barbara Fender.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother and father, Walter and Bess Strappel and brother, Robert “Bob” Strappel.
Jim’s memory will live forever in the hearts of all those that knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Grace Christian Church in San Angelo.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Grace Christian Food Pantry
29 N. Oakes
San Angelo, TX 76903