Joseph John "Jay" Riepenhoff
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
28 Harding Avenue, Jackson, OH 45640
(p) 740-286-2010 (f) 740-286-5640
Joseph John “Jay” Riepenhoff, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home on July 24, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. Jay was surrounded by his children and other family and friends.
Jay was born on June 7, 1938, in Wellston, Ohio to Charles and Ellen (Curry) Riepenhoff.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann “Becky” (Skidmore) Riepenhoff; his Parents, Charlie and Nell Riepenhoff; his sister, Mary Lou Michael; brothers-in-law, Fred Michael and Bobby Ratliff; and ‘adopted’ son, Jamiton “Jamie” E. McGrath.
Jay is survived by his brothers, Charles A. (Susan) Riepenhoff, Jr. and James P. (Ann) Riepenhoff; children: Arthur (Edgar Reyes) Riepenhoff, Dorothy (Dallas) Lloyd, Joseph (Molly) Riepenhoff, and David (Emily) Riepenhoff; step-son, Christopher (Amy) Skidmore; and sisters-in-law, Penny Ratliff and Peggy (David) McCarley; brother-in-law, James P. (Robin) Skidmore; best friend, Don Hill; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as his many adoring grandchildren: Hunter Riepenhoff, Lauren Riepenhoff, Mason Skidmore, Ethan Riepenhoff, Reagan Skidmore, Catherine Riepenhoff, William Riepenhoff, Amelia Riepenhoff, and Elizabeth Riepenhoff; and his favorite grand dog, “Diesel”.
Jay graduated from Wellston High School in 1956. He later graduated from Xavier University and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and Reserves.
He was a well-known and respected businessman throughout the area. He and his brother Jim, and before them their father Charles, owned and operated Riepenhoff Distributing, a beer wholesaler in Wellston and Jackson servicing southeastern Ohio for nearly 70 years. He was affectionately known by his friends and customers as the “Bud Man”. He was recognized as a Grand Marshall of the Jackson County Apple Festival parade, a Jackson County Chamber of Commerce “Person of the Year”, and “Elk of the Year”.
Jay was involved with many civic organizations, including the American Legion Wellston Post #371, the Alladin Shriners, Amvets, Masons Black Diamond Lodge #538, and was a trustee of the BPOe Elks Jackson Lodge #466. He served for nearly two decades the president of the Jackson County Fair Board. Jay could often be found camping near the horse ring with his friends and family during the Jackson County Fair.
His pride and joy was his family. Jay enjoyed the many times his grandchildren would visit ‘Papaw’s farm’, and his many gatherings with family and friends.
Jay also loved his friends like his family. He often enjoyed breakfast with his friends at the truck stop, playing cards at the Elks or American Legion and his Wednesday ‘club crawl’.
He will be dearly missed.
The family will receive friends at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson on Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 2:00p.m.-6:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Jackson on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Herge officiating. Military honors will follow outside the church with a reception after. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at a later date in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay’s memory to the Jackson County 4-H Endowment Fund.
It was a true honor and a pleasure to work for Jay and Jim at Riepenhoff Distributing. They treated us all very well like family and paid us very very well. Made a lot of memories back then. You will be greatly missed JJ. Until we meet again.
Matt Glasgow
Matthew P Humpernickle as you always called me. Love ya buddy!
Archon Alumni Association sends our prayers and condolences to Brother Joseph's family. May God's blessings be with his family during this time of grieving.
Jim and Chuck:
Condolences on the loss of JJ. Wonderful memories of the three of you racing wheelchairs in the subway of the Mayo Clinic when your Dad was here for hip surgery. My parents loved all three of you guys, and had a special relationship with Jay because he spent so much time at our house for Sunday dinners while going to Xavier. Great memories also of the Riepenhoff-Essman reunions while Carl and Paul were still alive. We miss seeing our Wellston relatives who were always so faithful about family weddings and funerals.
Henry and Chris Schultz
Dios lo tenga en su Gloria y que descance en paz.
Will always love him and remember!!❤️. Brother Jim & Ann