In Memoriam: Jim Stuppy

Chris Beytes

We’re sorry to have to report the passing of a greenhouse manufacturing icon: James (Jim) C. Stuppy of the well-known, 151-year-old business Stuppy Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri. Jim died peacefully on Sunday, May 19. He was 79.

Born April 15, 1945, to George L. Stuppy and Helen G. Stuppy, Jim grew up in St. Joe, graduated from Christian Brother High School in 1963. He attended Creighton University, where he met Sue Tracy; they were married on August 17, 1968. He furthered his education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a master’s degree in economics. Jim also served in the United States Navy, reaching the rank of lieutenant.

Jim and Sue moved to Kansas City, where he joined Stuppy, Inc. in 1971 as the fourth-generation owner of the wholesale floral and greenhouse company. He became president and CEO in 1975. At the time, Stuppy was still growing flowers, as well as wholesaling them; Jim got them out of growing to focus strictly on wholesale floral distribution and greenhouse manufacturing. His son Matt, the fifth-generation of the family business, sold off the wholesale flower business due to major changes in the flower distribution market.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue; children, Matt (Kristen), Frank (Kelley), John (Stephanie) and Angela (Humberto); and 12 grandchildren. GT