James T Epps' Obituary
Decatur ' James “Jim” T. Epps, 85, of Decatur passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 26, 2012 in his home with his family by his side.
Jim was born on January 9, 1927 in Little Cypress, KY the son of William and Nona (Lamb) Epps. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII in Germany. He united in marriage to Barbara Dillen on February 8, 1964 in Evansville, IN. He moved with his family to Decatur and began his 21 year career with the Decatur Public Transit System, where he held positions including Superintendant and retired as a diesel mechanic. He was an avid fisherman who loved to fish, camp, and boat. Upon his retirement, Jim worked for 16 years as campground host for the State of Illinois at Eagle Creek State Park in Findlay.
Surviving are his wife, Barbara; daughters, Tammie (Daniel) Kemper, Annette (Michael) Moore, Sandy Meridith, Patricia Schoemperlen, Georgia (Rex) Ashe; sons, Randy Gilbert, Ralph (Diana) Gilbert; and special friend, Michael Atwood all of Decatur. He had 13 grandchildren that he loved very dearly and 23 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Melvin and John Epps, two sisters, Corine 'Peggy' Foshee and Mary Epps, one son-in-law, Robert 'Bob' Schoemperlen, and grandson, Adam Gilbert.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Visiting Nurses and Hospice of DMH for all their compassionate care.
Funeral service celebrating the life of Jim will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 30, 2012 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-8:00 pm Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Northfork Cemetery in Long Creek Township with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the family
The family of James Epps is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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