James Franklin Epperly, 72, of Eden passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Novant Hospital in Forsyth County.

A chapel service will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 2pm at Boone and Cooke Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home from 1 until 2 pm on Wednesday and other times at the residence.

James was born in Eden on May 23,1952, the son of Alec Warren Epperly and Lillie Thomas Epperly, both deceased. He worked as a truck driver for Millis Transfer. James loved his family above all. He was a great father, grandfather and friend. He loved the NC Tarheels and Nascar. Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver. Everyone who knew him said he was a real jokester.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sisters, Linda Wingler and Helen Howell.

James is survived by his children, Emma Dillard and husband, Marcus of Stanleytown, Virginia, Hamilton Richardson and wife, Maria of Indianapolis, Indiana and James Franklin Epperly, Jr. "J.J." of Eden; his sister, Elaine Cresenzo and husband, Bill of Clemmons, NC; his grandchildren, Austin Stafford and wife, Korinne, Katelyn Stafford and fiancé, Traveon Dillard, Olivia Dillard, Nikera Allen, Josh Dillard and wife, Nikki. Marqua Dillard and wife, Alisha, Kendall Epperly and Riley Epperly and great grandchildren, Kayden Dandridge and Kaylani Dillard.