Obituary

James “Jim” David Orpin, cherished father, grandfather, brother, husband and friend, of Denton, Texas, passed away early Friday morning (Jan. 21, 2011) at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Denton.

Jim was born on March 18, 1945, in Fresno, Calif., to David and Ethel Orpin. He grew up in Newton and was well known for pulling pranks with his younger brother and partner-in-crime, John. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Mathias, on Sept. 24, 1968. Together the couple had three daughters, Marcie, Lori and Lacy.
Jim moved his family to Ponca City, Okla., for his lifelong career as a computer programmer and mainframe expert. Jim and Ruth moved to Texas in 1992, and he continued his career at Data Dallas, which later became Republic Mailing.

A quiet, humble man, Jim was known for his kindness and generosity to others. His greatest joy in life was being a father to his three girls, and being involved in every aspect of their lives. Whether he was coaching their softball, soccer or basketball teams or cheering from the sidelines, his unwavering support and love for them knew no limits. Aside from his own children, Jim was a father figure for many other young people, whose lives have been forever touched by having been on the receiving end of his love. In his later years, Jim took immense pride in supporting the many activities of his grandchildren, Christian and Cameron. He had a passion for fishing, reading, playing cards, working crossword puzzles, watching NASCAR, John Wayne movies and his favorite television show, NCIS, and doting on his dogs, Frankie and Jet. Jim was deeply loved by his family and his loss has left an unimaginable void in their hearts. “The greater the love, the greater the loss.”

Survivors include his mother, Ethel Orpin of Jacksonville, Ore.; sister, Kate Cook of Haysville; wife, Ruth of Denton; daughters, Marcie Conrad and husband, Lance of Justin, Lori Goad and husband, Steve of Denton and Lacy Fenn and husband, Jimmy of Flower Mound; his beloved grandchildren, Christian and Cameron Conrad; and niece and nephew, Tara and Kiel Cook of Kansas. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, John and his father, David.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24) at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust St. in Denton. Memorial and graveside services will be on Saturday (Jan. 29) at Christian Church in Peabody. The family would like to give special thanks to the many doctors and nurses who provided compassion and care throughout his battle with cancer and kidney disease. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Jim by making gifts to the National Kidney Foundation, NKF Serving Texas Division Office, 5429 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75240.