James Derrell Epperson, 92, of Llano died Feb. 19, 2016
James Derrell Epperson passed away with family by his side on Feb. 19, 2016, at the age of 92.
James was born Aug. 20, 1923, in Llano County to Jim and Elizabeth Smith Epperson. He was raised on ranchland settled by his pioneer ancestors in the Valley Spring area.
In his early years, James was a curious and adventurous young boy who loved exploring the land around him and predicating excitement amongst his siblings with their daily work. A horseman with multiple talents, James became a champion calf roper and rancher extraordinaire.
James graduated from Cherokee High School in 1941 and then attended Tarleton State University and Texas A&M University. After completing one year of veterinary medicine, Uncle Sam called, and he spent the next three years in the U.S. Navy as an aviation medical technician. Upon his discharge, James returned to the land he loved in Llano County with his new bride, Betty Evelyn Sifford, and they lived and ranched for 70 years.
During the 1950’s drought, James day-worked as a cowboy for several area ranchers and helped D.P. and Philip Smith receive contract calves shipped by railroad. He eventually went into business with Philip and longtime friend Sam Rabb. They operated the Llano Hog Co., buying hogs for well-known packing companies. Over 27 years, it is estimated the trio bought close to 1 million hogs. Because of his many contributions to the modernization of the pork industry and improving production methods, James was inducted into the Texas Pork Producers Hall of Honor in 1994. As part of this distinction, a permanent plaque is on display in the Atrium of the Kleberg Animal Science building on the campus of Texas A&M University.
James compiled a remarkable lifetime record of service to the people of Llano County and the state of Texas. His spirit of volunteerism has touched virtually every activity and event that brings Llano County together. James continued his service well past what others considered retirement age. He served as county rodeo chairman for several years and was a founding director of the Llano Community Center Building Board. He was a director of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and president of the Valley Spring Rural Neighborhood Improvement Organization, establishing the first fund for the community cemetery and modernizing the area telephone system. Established in 1957, James was a charter member of the Llano Memorial Hospital board of managers and a founding member of the foundation board formed 30 years later. James served as a chairman of the board for the supervisors of the Soil Conservation District, which under his tenure was named the state’s Most Outstanding District. He was passionate about agricultural financing, which provided the necessary capital for rural businesses, farmers and ranchers. For 30 years, James served on the board of directors and later as chairman of the board for the Federal Land Bank of Mason, now known as Capital Farm Credit.
James devoted much time to the education of Llano County’s youth. He served as a member of Llano ISD school board for several terms and was instrumental in the establishment of the school district’s first Special Education program, which has grown to meet the needs of developmentally challenged children today. James was an outstanding 4-H and FFA leader. He was honored by the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation and named an Honorary State Farmer by the FFA organization. He and his daughter Gayle were the best of partners and spirited competitors, showing livestock at both the state and national levels and garnering a generous amount of recognition along the way. James took great delight in raising show hogs and cattle for hundreds of youth throughout the years, and they all benefitted from his outstanding knowledge and patient teaching.
James was a fine Christian gentlemen, energetic community leader, astute businessman and role- model for many. He was inducted into the Llano Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 1995 and named Hill Country Livestock Raisers Association Cowboy of the Year in 2000. He was a member and served the Valley Spring Church of Christ in many capacities. His love for the Lord was evidenced in the way he lived. A man of enormous character, his generous devotion to his family was one of his most admirable traits. For 64 years, James and Betty provided loving care to their special-needs son, Jimmy, and his dauntless spirit never wavered. James had a unique way of combining compassion and humor, endearing the hearts of all who knew him.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Elizabeth Smith Epperson; brother George Epperson and wife Dorothy; sister Catherine Hiilsmeier and husband Albert; brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Sifford; and beloved son James Robert “Jimmy” Epperson.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Evelyn; sister Maude Ann Kuykendall and husband Kenneth of Cherokee; sister-in-law Jo Ella Lewis and husband Cecil of Fredericksburg; daughter Gayle Jordan of Valley Spring; granddaughters Jima (Clint) Montfort of Corsicana and Julie (Kris) Havelka of Sandia; great-grandchildren Graycie Lynn and Robert Cole Montfort and Sydney Leigh, Keaton James and Heston Kurt Havelka; and nurmerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service is 10 a.m. Feb. 22 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300. A graveside service will follow at Valley Spring Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cherokee Home for Children and Hill Country Livestock Raisers Scholarship Fund.
Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.