James Edward Eppler's Obituary
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, James (Jim) Edward Eppler passed away at the age of 79 years
at Clarehouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jim was born May 12, 1945 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He was the only child of James M.
(Speights) and Mildred A. (Nee Blacknall) Eppler. He grew up in Bartlesville and graduated from
College High School. After graduation he spent one year at Oklahoma Military Academy, then
attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. After his parents retired from the furniture
store they started in Bartlesville, Jim bought and ran Eppler Furniture for about 20 years. After
closing the furniture store, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and worked for 18 years for Joe
Marina Honda. In Tulsa he met Holli Reeble and they were married October 11, 2003. When
he retired from the car business, he enjoyed working for several estate sale companies.
As a genuinely humble, old-fashioned gentleman, Jim’s life exemplified the scripture from
Colossians 3, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…it is the Lord Christ you are
serving.” Jim poured his heart into careers selling furniture, cars, and working estate sales, all
of which brought him joy as each endeavor allowed him to serve others. Jim was known for
just showing up to make a repair or do someone a favor without being asked, while sharing a
story or some of his famous jokes as he worked. He often asked for nothing in return except
the joy of getting to help out that person. Known for building wooden clubhouses and go karts
for his grandchildren and neighborhood children, “Pappy” was adored because he laughed and
played as hard as the children did. Church widows and elderly faces in care homes beamed
when he effortlessly, and without sheet music, played hymns or old-time songs on his
keyboard or accordion for them. His classic automobile, a vintage Packard, was the setting of
fun memories made with new and old friends and a source of great pride. And he thrilled at
finding a bargain antique item, sprucing it up, and making a “pretty penny” on its resale. But
this side of heaven, the resounding joy in Jim’s life was his wife, Holli, and the family of children
and grandchildren whom they shared. Jim’s life evidenced his love of the Lord, and in true
Christ-like fashion, he always saw his purpose in this world through a lens of servanthood.
Jim’s love of people brought joy to those who knew him, and serving others brought joy to Jim.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and son James Keith Eppler. He is survived by his
wife, son Dean G. Eppler (Janelle) of Stillwater, Oklahoma, daughters Emily Babb (Corey) and
Lauren Reeble of Tulsa, grandchildren Jamison Eppler, Hannah Eppler, D. J. Eppler, Xander
Reed, Isabella Babb, Saxton Babb, Penelope Babb, Theodora Babb, and many cousins and
friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 10:30 at Riverview Baptist
Church, Bixby, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Clarehouse, 7617 South Mingo Road, Tulsa,
Oklahoma 74133.
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