James E. (Jim) Northup, age 67, died at his home in Phillipsburg, Kansas on Monday, July 23, 2012.

Jim was born March 8, 1945, in Stockton, Kansas to David G. and Leona M. (Cotten) Northup. After graduating from Logan High School in 1963 he went to work for Matteson Motors in Phillipsburg for a few months and then joined the National Guard later that year. After boot camp and training, he went on active reserve and returned to Phillipsburg to work for Finkbeiner's Firestone Store for the next six years.

In 1965, he was united in marriage to Patricia I. (Patty) Mason in Stockton, Kansas. In 1968 he left Firestone for a position at the Phillipsburg Refinery for the next fifteen years until its closing in 1982. He drove trucks for Tamko for two years at which time he and Patty purchased Jim's Big A Auto Parts and operated the business until 2010 when they retired.

Jim had a passion for classic cars, hunting, animals, babies and most of all, his Grandchildren. He spent many hours restoring cars with his friends and family over the years and traveling to car shows and rod runs. His hunting trips with friends and family were the stuff of legends, as were his attempts at babysitting his grandchildren and falling asleep in mid-shift.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patty Northup; his oldest daughter, Michelle (Shelley) Houser and husband, Ted of Sharon Springs; his youngest daughter, Kelley Dibble of Phillipsburg; five grandchildren, Caci Houser, Jaci Houser, Gracie Dibble, Parker Dibble, and Emma Dibble; his brother, David Northup and wife, Kim of Stockton; his sister, Bea McDaneld and husband, Kent of Branson, MO; and his beloved dog, Buddy. He is further survived by multiple nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Northup and sister, Shirley Axelson. Shirley's husband, Jim still resides in Stockton.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name for his grandchildren's education.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the First Assembly of God Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor David Pugh officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to his Grandchildren's Education Fund.