James L. Van Epps

PORTAGE  --  James L. Van Epps, age 90, of Portage, passed away on Saturday evening, October 12, 2013 at Tivoli.

He was born on January 1, 1923 in Portage, the son of Frank and Nellie (Buess) Van Epps.  He served his country as a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II, receiving a Purple Heart.  James was married to Leone Crawhall on December 9, 1943.  He had been the owner and chairman of Freeland Industries for many years.  James was a member of Portage Presbyterian Church, where he had been Chairman of the Committee on Ministry, Missouri Synod.  He was a member of Portage Rotary Club, where he received the Paul Harris Award.  James was a member of the Portage Elks Lodge #675, where he had been Past Exalted Ruler.  He was also a member of the Portage Curling Club and the Portage Country Club.

James is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Leone;  five sons, James L. (Joan) Van Epps II, Portage, Lawrence A. (Kathy) Van Epps, Waunakee, John W. Van Epps, Portage, Lynn F. (Nancy) Van Epps, Portage, and Jeffrey L. (Diane) Van Epps, Largo, Florida;  9 grandchildren;  12 great-grandchildren;  and the first foreign exchange student to come to the Portage High School, Soren Nielson, Denmark;  other near relatives and many close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Jean and Mary.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at the Portage Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. David Hankins officiating.  Inurnment will be private at Silver Lake Cemetery.  Military Honors will be provided by Portage area veterans.  Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. at the church on Thursday.     

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Portage Presbyterian Church (Stained Glass Fund), the Portage Public Library, or the American Cancer Society.