James Albert Cupps

James Albert Cupps was born August 26, 1944 in Pittsburgh, PA to Albert and Anne (Vargo) Cupps and died June 17, 2025 in Ocean Springs, MS. Jim attended public schools in Pittsburgh and graduated Fox Chapel High School in 1963.

He briefly attended Thiel College in Greenville, PA and started working for Gulf Oil Research in Harmarville, PA in 1965. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and assigned to the First Infantry Division (Big Red One) in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Air Medal and Sharpshooter badge. After returning from Vietnam, he completed his military service at Fort Rucker, AL. After an honorable discharge in 1967, he returned to Pittsburgh and was employed at Gulf Oil.

After returning to Pittsburgh, he renewed his friendship with Gail Bryson and they married in 1969. While working and raising a family, Jim attended the University of Pittsburg graduating in 1976. In 1978 a job opportunity became available with Cedar Bayou Chemical Plant in Baytown, TX. He worked as a Chemist, industrial hygienist and lab manager during his time at Cedar Bayou. While employed there, Gulf merged with Chevron and later became Chevron Chemical.

After life events in the early 1990’s, Jim transferred to Pascagoula Refinery as a Chemist. He also served as a team lead in implementation of ISO 9002 certification efforts. He also met a “Mississippi Native” and their friendship developed, and Jim and Jocelyn were married in 1998. Jim retired in 1999 as Lab Supervisor.

After enjoying frequent golf outings and working at St. Andrews golf course, Jim returned to the working world in 2001. He worked as Senior Chemist part time for NOWCC at the EPA Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at Stennis Space Center. In 2008, he retired again to become a house husband.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Anne (Vargo) Cupps; first wife, Gail Bryson Cupps; infant son, John Douglass Cupps; sister, Jeanne Mae Cupps.

He is survived by wife, Jocelyn Canfield Cupps; brother, Jack Cupps of Sidman, PA ; sister, Judith Cupps Krall of Pinehurst, NC; sons, James Bryson Cupps (Tiffany) Hebron, KY; Edward Alan Cupps (Sherry) Ocean Springs; daughter, Anne Elizabeth Cupps, Seattle, WA; as well as 16 grandchildren.

Jim was a member of Christus Victor Lutheran Church. He was a life member of VFW Post 734 in Ligonier, PA. Shortly after moving to Ocean Springs, he joined Elks Lodge 2501. He was honored to serve as King Fidelity XXXV with the Krewe of Elks. He received the Elks Family Players award in 2007 and was Elk of the Year 2005/2006. He was a lifelong Steelers fan who was waiting for Super bowl victory #7. He had a variety of hobbies and interests: Golfing, boating, hummingbird lookout, turtle watcher, deer hunter-watcher, war movies and stories, wood working, home improvement projects, listening to 50’s and 60’s LP records are just a few. Cooking and reading recipes were a daily activity. He also checked the Jackson County crime report on a regular basis.

He will be missed by many as he joins family and friends who have gone before.

Memorials can be made to The Lord is My Help, 1205 Desoto Ave., Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or the Jackson County Animal Shelter, 4400 Audubon Lane, Gautier, MS 39553.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of James Albert Cupps.