JOHN IRWIN LIPPINCOTT, JR., died suddenly on June 12, 2007, in Houston, Texas, while playing the 15th hole on his favorite golf course. John, Jr., was born in Indiana, on July 11, 1923, to John and Wanda Marie Seemann Lippincott.

He graduated from Central High School in South Bend, Indiana, and Purdue University, where he played football, instructed classes, and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. There was a two-year break in that education, however, while he joined the Army Air Corps, trained as a bomber pilot, and flew 50 missions over Europe with the 575th Bomber Squadron, 391st Bombardment Group. John became a much-decorated flyer, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a dues-paid member of that "greatest generation," who saved the world for us, then just went on about their business.

John married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Cramer, and went to work for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he was an agent, General agent, Certified Life Underwriter, and mentor to younger insurance professionals for almost 60 years. One of the youngest-ever members of the Million Dollar Roundtable, he opened the company's first Texas agency, in Houston, in 1958. He was still working there part-time, as a Special Agent, at the time of his death.

A long-time, avid golfer, John took up jogging, then marathon running, in his fifties. In his 60's he became an age-group, world-class triathlete, completing the Hawaii Iron Man twice, and the first Triathlon World Championships, in Avignon, France. He was a member of Houston Racing Triathlon Club, Houston Masters Running Club, Terlingua Track Club, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Marauder Men veteran pilot's association, Riverbend Country Club, and St. Philip Presbyterian Church.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, and his parents - including his stepmother, Sarah.

He is survived by his sister Anna Mary Darden, brother Edwin and wife Jody; his children Jack and wife Kathy, Rob and wife Cathy, Nancy Schoenbucher and husband Bruce; and his wonderful friend and companion Betty Stone. "Pee-Pop's" grandchildren include Jay, Carly, Peter, Lyle, Bette, Terri and Bonnie. He left eight great-grandchildren, including Austin and Tyler, who called him "Big Pa-paw." This brave patriot and sportsman also leaves countless friends, fellow-athletes, and business associates from all walks of his long life.

A memorial service and reception will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 15, 2007, at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, Rev. Dr. William C. Poe, Officiating. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donation be made in his name to the Christian Community Service Center, the American Cancer Society, the First Tee Golf Association, or to a charity of your choice.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Jun. 14 to Jun. 15, 2007.

07/30/2022 EJS