James Michael “Jim” Rapien, 87, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Monday, October 26, 2026 at Oak Pointe of Monett in Monett, Mo.

He was born April 23, 1939 in Grand Island, Neb., the son of John Richard and Pauline Marie (Liebsack) Rapien, who preceded him in death. 

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Brewer; his sons, Cory Rapien and wife Tanya of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Brett Rapien and wife Trisha of Cassville, Mo.; sisters, Constance Mehler and husband Frank of St. Louis, Mo. and Deborah Larmore and husband Daniel of Marshalltown, Iowa; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren, and special friends, Abby, Gabe, Joe and Michael.

He attended school in New London, Mo., 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. He 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. He and his wife, made their home in Cassville in 2013 after moving from Rudd, Iowa.

Services were held Friday, October 30, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Bryce Huddleston conducted the services. Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, Mo.