FUNERAL SERVICES for Mr. Rapp will be held at Zion Lutheran Church at Prairie City, Missouri on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.

VISITATION will be held at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

OFFICIATING at the service is Rev. Jerry Smith

INTERMENT will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Prairie City, Missouri.

The family request any MEMORIAL donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran School.

James Melvin Rapp was born on September 4, 1932, the son of John Nicholas and Frida Louise (Bracher) Rapp and he passed away peacefully at the Appleton City Manor in Appleton City, Missouri on April 17, 2022.  James grew up in the Rockville area, where he graduated from Rockville High School in 1950.  Shortly after graduation, he married Vanita Anna Holsten on June 12, 1955, his wife of 66 years.  To this union 7 children were born: Mark, Veronica, Jeanette, Loretta, Michael, Brenda, and Marcella.

James began a lifelong career in farming along with spending 7 years employed at the Prairie City Cheese Factory.  He also served as the volunteer chairman of the rural water board for more than 30 years. Apart from this, his family was the most important thing in his life, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. James dearly enjoyed life, a good laugh, and times spent with those he loved. He enjoyed being outdoors and especially hunting deer. Apart from this, he was a dedicated, life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he volunteered regularly at many tasks. He will be deeply missed by his many family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, John Nicholas and Frida Louise (Bracher) Rapp; one son, Mark Rapp; a brother, Eldo Rapp; son-in-law Bob Lisenby; two sisters-in-law: Irene Rapp and DeLeah Holsten; and one nephew, David Holsten.

He is survived by his wife, Vanita; children: Veronica (Ron) Feilner, Jeanette Lisenby, Loretta (Rod) Percy, Michael (Tammy) Rapp, Brenda (Terry) Strope, Marcella (Bill) Peck, and one daughter-in-law, Barb Rapp; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; along with many extended family and good friends, who will miss him dearly.

Web site location: www.hillandson.net

Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, Missouri