James E. "Jimmy" Halpin, 85, a Hopewell Junction resident for 42 years and formerly from Wappingers Falls and the Bronx, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2011 at Wingate at Dutchess after a brief illness.

Jimmy was born in the Bronx on October 5, 1926, the son of James and Catherine Halpin. In his youth, the family moved to Wappingers where he attended Wappingers Schools, graduating from Wappinger High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served during World War II until he was honorably discharged on November 22, 1946.

He entered the workforce as a truck driver and mechanic working for Connecticut Coprovia Company and Peckhams Industries until his retirement in 1986. An accomplished pilot and aircraft mechanic, Jimmy restored, maintained and flew many aircrafts in a career that spanned seven decades.

On May 1, 1948, Jimmy married the love of his life, Doris M. Hilderbrand at St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Jim Halpin and his partner Darleen Hapeman of Wappingers Falls, Daniel Halpin of Richmond,VA, Alan Halpin and his wife Rose of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Gilbert Halpin and his partner Barbara Magurno of Wappingers Falls; his brother, William Halpin of Wappingers Falls; 10 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Edward Halpin.

The family would like to thank Carol Burke and the Staff at Wingate at Dutchess for their compassion and care these last few weeks.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A graveside service will be held on Friday at 11am at the Wappingers Rural Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

For driving directions or to send the family an online condolence, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.