James Orland Epling, 87, of Spencer, West Virginia, passed away at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia, on May 5, 2026.

James was born in Spencer, West Virginia, on July 30, 1938, a son of the late Beacher Johnson Epling and Edna Marple Epling. He was a former pastor, and a retiree from Southern States. In addition to his work, he truly enjoyed farming, flowers, nature, and his beloved dog Parker.

James was preceded in death by his late wife, Betty Jean Epling, and son, Kirk Alan Epling; Sister's Mary Francis Jordan, and Virginia Irene Epling, and one brother, Homer Paul Epling.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Cutlip Epling; sons, Rodney Dale Epling of Zanesville, OH; Darrin Scot Epling (Christa) of Ripley, WV, and James Roy Epling (Cindy) of Spencer, WV; and daughters, Anita Darlene Epling of Spencer, WV, and Lisa Dawn Shreve (Odie) of Wayne, WV; step children Michael Dale Kendall and Adam Roger Kendall (Krystan). 11 grandchildren, 8 grand-grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held May 9th, 2026, at 1:00 pm, with visitation 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home. Graveside services to follow at Little Creek Cemetery with Pastor Philip Linger officiating.