Auto Dealer Jim Lupient Dies At Age 76

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Local businessman and auto mogul Jim Lupient passed away Sunday after a long fight with Parkinson's disease, according to his obituary. He was 76.

Lupient started as a salesman and opened his first dealership, Jim Lupient Oldsmobile, in 1969. There are now 35 franchises under the Lupient Automotive Group that began in 1986.

Not only was Lupient a leader in the business world, but he also was involved in the community through many organizations including the Better Business Bureau, North Memorial Hospital and Foundation Boards, and Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, six children and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be given to the Mayo Clinic.