James O. Epps

James O. Epps, 89, of Massillon passed away January 17, 2011 at The Inn at University Village. He was born October 4, 1921 in Massillon to the late William B. and Addie L. (Smart) Epps. He was a 1940 graduate of Washington High School. He entered the submarine service of the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific. Following the war, he attended and graduated from Bowling Green University with a BS in Business and Psychology. He retired from Ekco Housewares as plant manager. Jim was a multi-faceted man. His family remembers his incredible dedication to his wife and daughters. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing. The community benefited through his participation to the Canton Players Guild, serving as a willing worker and past president. The Red Cross benefited with his volunteerism. A USS Barb shipmate recently remembered him as, “one of the most dependable crew leaders as an electrician’s mate first class. A submarine’s effectiveness and safety depended on electricity, and we had great confidence in his ability to keep us ready and to fix damage.” He was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. William B. Epps, a sister, Emily J. Erickson and a son-in-law, Clark Bottoms. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Virginia N. (Huffman) Epps of Massillon; two daughters, Betsy Epps (Bottoms) of League City, Texas and Ginny and Bill Elder of Southlake, Texas, and two grandchildren, John and Olivia Elder of Southlake, Texas. A private committal was held at Massillon Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Meals on Wheels of Stark County or First United Methodist Church of Massillon. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com.