James Oliver Epperly

James Oliver Epperly was born in Whittier on July 8, 1923, and went into the presence of Jesus Christ, his Savior, on May 30, 2017. His parents were Mildred Hamilton Epperly and David Oliver Epperly. He graduated from Whittier High School and Whittier College, and served honorably in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a B-52 plane mechanic. At the age of 80, he earned a Masters Degree in Apologetics from Biola University with a 4.0 GPA.

Jims various vocations include High School English teacher, Helmsman with Helms Bakery, concrete and construction contractor, Los Angeles County Flood Control District inspector, and FEMA inspector.

In addition to serving as a church Deacon, Elder, and Sunday school teacher, Jim also volunteered with a number of local and foreign missions, including Union Rescue Mission, Billy Graham Crusades, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and Far East Broadcasting Company in Saipan. He gave sacrificially of his time and resources to his churches throughout his life.

Jim is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 70 years, Dorothy; 6 children - Mary Anne (Earl) Friesen of Colorado Springs CO, Carol (Paul) Brown of Santa Rosa CA, Ginny (Jim) Boyle of Fayetteville NC, James Epperly of Albuquerque NM, Julie Kemper of Houston TX, and Barbara Epperly of La Mirada CA; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and his sister Helene (Ken) Steele of Fullerton CA.

A celebration of his life will be held at a memorial service at Grace Evangelical Free Church of La Mirada, 12717 Santa Gertrudes, on Tuesday, June 6, at 10 AM, with Rev. Dave Talley officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Far East Broadcasting Company, PO Box 1, La Mirada CA 90637.