James "Jim" Tappen, age 89, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center in Tuscumbia. He was born in Auburn, New York, on January 14, 1926, son of the late Frank and Bessie (Carrall) Tappen.

He is survived by one sister, Susan Dorn; special friend, Nancy Beal; and several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was also preceded in death by one brother, Richard Tappen and other siblings.

James served in the U.S. Army as a torrent gunner until he was shot down over enemy lines in Germany. James and his crew chief were injured and was left to defend themselves. He had a broken ankle and the crew chief had a broken leg, and was reported by the crew as missing in action and a letter was sent to Jim's mom that he was missing in action and presumed dead. Jim and the crew chief were rescued from enemy territory by a Russian Army squad and turned over to the Underground Railroad to smuggle him back to safety, which took around three months while his life was in constant danger. He was finally rescued and honorably discharged from the Army. After James had healed he joined the U.S. Air Force, and was assigned to be an observer of a new radar observer, making him one of the first radar observers for the Air Force division.

When Jim was not flying on missions he helped survey the Philippines, until he caught amebic dysentery and almost died there. The doctors had all but given up on Jim and placed him in a big mosquito tent to perish. A nurse came to be by his side and stayed most of the night with him, when he awoke he walked out of the "tent of the dead" amazing many doctors and was looking for this nurse, but the doctors told him there was never a nurse there by that name. (God was apparently not finished with him once again). Jim was then honorably discharged from the Air Force.

On January 29, 1946, James joined the U.S. Air Force for his second tour of military duties and was honorably discharged with many commendations of service such as the Honorary Purple Heart, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, AAF Air Crew Badge, Carbine Marksman Badge Pistol Marksman Badge, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, WWII Victory Medal; and the Patriotic Service Award

James struggled all through his life with his combat fatigue stress, however rarely displayed the symptoms of it. He always thought of others and treated all with great respect, and love.

Jim was saved and baptized in Iberia as a Christian in 1989. Jim served as foster father to his nephew, Alvin and niece, Ella Hill Theno.

Mary Agnes Hill Tappen and James Tappen were married at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Laclede County, Missouri on the June 30, 1956. They lived in Indiana working with the railroad until he retired. After retirement they moved to Grove Springs, Missouri until the death of Agnes on March 20, 1984. He remained in Grove Springs for several years, and then moved to Fort Leonard Wood until he met Nancy Beal, the second love of his life, and moved to Iberia to remain a companion near Nancy. Many thanks to Nancy for her love and companionship to James. James had a great love for Nancy until his final day. May God always Bless Nancy. His nephew, Alvin was at Jim's side the last 2 days of his life, and he will miss him and will have loving memories of him forever.

A Memorial Service for James will be held at a later date.