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James Hardy “Jim” Epperson, 76 year old former Coalgate resident, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2017 in Durant, Oklahoma. Jim was born October 15, 1940 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Dr. Robert Beal Epperson and Marianne (Young) Epperson. As a very young child Jimmy contracted Polio, which he battled for many years. He grew up in Coalgate where he roamed the back roads of Coal County on his horse that was bought for him by his great aunt and uncle, Jim and Era Farrimond. The family later moved to Atoka, where Jimmy graduated high school and met and married the love his life, Wanda Joyce Watson on August 31, 1959. He attended Oklahoma State University, East Central University and graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. In 1972, he purchased the Slater Funeral Home which became Jim Epperson Funeral Service. Jim owned and operated the funeral home for over 25 years before retiring.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one precious son, Larry Todd Epperson; nephew, Mark Cochran; as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles and in-laws.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Wanda of the home; son, James R. “Bob” Epperson and daughter-in-law, Mitzi of Owasso, Oklahoma; daughter, Christy Deann Race and son-in-law, Pete Race of Durant; sister, Cindy Burks and husband, John of Atoka; sister-in-law Kathy Hayworth and husband, Jerry of Coalgate; sister-in-law, Karen House and husband, Wade of Holdenville; brother-in-law, Duane Watson and wife, Carol Sirro of Camino, California; grandchildren, Jimmy Epperson of Norman, Kelsey Turner and husband, Emory of Owasso, Hunter Young of Norman, Lexie Young of Durant, Brent Race of West Virginia, Melissa Sigler and husband, Jared of Bartlesville, and Christa Morton and husband, Anthony of Portland; cousins, Pat Roberts and Sue Patton. Special adopted family members, Mary Ann Bell, Tonja Russell and Aracely Penaloza, Debbie Rackley, and Kristy Countryman. As well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2017 and funeral service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2017, both at First Baptist Church in Coalgate. Chaplain David Kaut officiating. Interment in Coalgate Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jimmy Epperson, Emory Turner, Hunter Young, Pete Race, Michael Cochran and Jeremy Burris. Honorary Bearers are Rob Surrell, Bobby George Lee, Tom Criswell, Dr. Richard Helton, Joke Wood, Tom Mayer and Johnny Maggie.
Services conducted under the joint direction of Gary Kelley’s Add’Vantage Funeral Service of Tulsa (www.garykelleyfunerals.com), and Holmes-Coffee-Murray Funeral Home of Durant, OK. (www.hcmfh.com)
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s name to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, Coalgate.
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