James VanEpps, II

November 27, 1944 - August 24, 2025

PORTAGE — This is not an obituary but rather an open letter of gratitude to the people who contributed to this adventure I had the opportunity to live and with them.

First of all, to the young people I grew up with, especially the members of the Portage High School Class of ‘63, many of whom remained part of my life to the very end. Thank you for your companionship and the many special times in my life. Never ever forget the dining room at the American Club.

A special shoutout and thank you to the young men and women I met, studied with, partied with, and with whom I just had an overall great time, especially the Sig Taus. You all made my college experience far more than I ever expected it would be. We had some great times together throughout our lives, you were never forgotten.

A special salute to some real patriots and heroes in this country, the members of my USAF flight school class at Mather AFB in Sacramento and 23rd Bombardment Squadron. It was an honor and privilege to serve and fly with you. We all knew how to have a good time even in difficult situations. I never forgot you guys.

Another heartfelt thanks to a special group of friends who shared my love of skiing, the members of the Cascade Mountain Ski Patrol. You are a dedicated group, and I enjoyed every year of my 25 years with you. A special thank you to a pair of "old" retired patrollers who were with me to the end. Loved you to the end.

A heartfelt goodbye to all the special friends I socialized, golfed, skied, and dined with the many years I lived in Portage. I always enjoyed our time together. Special gratitude to great friends who provided so much support at the end and let me know they were always there for Joan and myself during the final part of my Journey.

It has been said that going is easy, everyone has to go, it's the leaving that is hard. Special goodbyes to my brother, Larry, "The Gentlemen Farmer". My sons, James (Cynthia) and Jason, I am so proud of both of you and it is impossible to imagine my life without you. A very special goodbye to the two treasures in my life, my granddaughters, Alexis (AJ) and Elise (Ellie). Your grandmother and I feel so fortunate to been able to have so many special times and adventures with you as you grew up. Love you both to the moon and back. A special goodbye and thank you to the person who is my life, my wife, Joan. My skiing buddy, my golfing buddy, my hiking buddy, my everything. Without you I would have had no life. I am sorry to leave you.

I will have no memorial service. My inurnment will be private.

Thank you to Doctor Jeremy Kratz and his medical team at UW Carbone Cancer Center for their compassionate care. Thank you to the VA medical staff for their support and compassionate care. And lastly thank you to Agrace Hospice for getting me to the end.

Memorials may be made to UW Carbone Cancer Center, in James’ honor.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.