James Jepson

James David Jepson, a local Attorney and long time resident of Fort Stockton, TX passed away on June 1st, 2021 in San Antonio, TX.
James is survived by his Mother Carolina Jepson of San Antonio, Tx, Wife Elma Jepson of Fort Stockton, TX, Son David Jepson and wife Mel of San Antonio, TX, and 2 Grandchildren James Ryder and Ryleigh Denice Jepson of San Antonio, TX. He is proceeded in death by his Father Jesse Marion Jepson and Son James Robert Jepson.
James was born in San Antonio, TX on March 27th, 1955 to Jesse and Carolina Jepson. James Jepson graduated from the University of Texas Permian Basin in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and earned a Juris Doctorate in Law from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in December 1991.
Prior to Law School James served over 16 years in law enforcement. James first came to Fort Stockton in 1978 as a police officer for the City of Fort Stockton. He also served as Chief Deputy Sheriff of Reagan County for over 3 years before being accepted into law school at Texas Southern University in 1989. Jepson also served as a peace officer in Houston, TX while attending law school and raising his 2 sons as a single parent.
As an Attorney James served as an Assistant District Attorney with the 83rd and 112th Judicial Districts of Texas from November 1992 to December 2000 covering Brewster, Crockett, Jeff Davis, Pecos, Presidio, Reagan, Sutton and Upton Counties. Jepson was also appointed Special Prosecutor in the 109th Judicial District of Winkler, County, Texas in 1996. James was also a former member of the College of the State Bar, the Government Attorneys involved in Capital Litigation and the National Association of District Attorneys. James also served as the general counsel for the McCamey County Hospital District for over 20 years. James left the District Attorneys office in December 2000 and opened a private Law Firm in January 2001 where he represented the "Wrongly Accused". James' passion as an attorney was representing the oppressed and the underdog, always ready for a fight. In James' downtime James loved to farm and ranch at JR's Farms in East Pecos County.
James was a devoted Son, Husband, Father, Father In-Law, Papa and friend. James was married to Elma Jepson, the love of his life, for 11 years. Together they created a lifetime of memories and were always up for an adventure. By their side were their 3 beloved German Shepherds', Prince Benz of Bakersfield, Sir Maximus of Bakersfield and Radar "The Rescue Dog". As a Father James was able to teach his 2 sons what true work ethic, compassion and drive look like. Even though James worked extremely hard he always had the time to play a pickup game of football with his sons as reigning "All Time Quarterback" and teaching his sons how to hunt, fish and live off the land. James' guidance and love as a father was passed down to his grandchildren whom he adored. As a Father James had a strict, firm stance with his sons. That firmness faded into a soft-hearted Grandfather. James or Papa to his Grandchildren always had time to wrestle with his Grandson, chase Zombies with his Granddaughter and was the greatest couch snuggler to ever be. Most saw James in a stern professional manner, his family had the opportunity to see the soft hearted, kind, goofy, gentle giant that he was, a side few ever saw.

The visitation will be held from 1-7PM, Sunday, June 6, 2021, Rosary will be at 7PM
Heritage Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2PM, on Monday, June 7, 2021, at Gracepoint Church. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery.