James A. "Jim" Hepp

James A. Hepp, 80, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 7:50 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2026 at St. Rita's Medical Center after an extended illness. Jim was born on January 1, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio to Al and Mary Ann (Schneider) Hepp who preceded him in death. His family moved to Wapakoneta, Ohio in his early childhood, and on September 4, 1970, he married Joan Haehn and they enjoyed 55 years together.

Jim was a 1964 graduate of St. Joseph High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy starting in 1964 and he enjoyed being posted near the ocean in Brunswick, Maine until he was honorably discharged in 1968. He worked as a welder at Proctor & Gamble, Midmark and General Dynamics. A lifelong entrepreneur and lover of boats and cider, he and Joan owned and operated Sycamore Shores canoe livery, a cider mill and a boat repair service. He was an active member of the St. Marys Boat Club for almost 50 years where he had served on the board of governors as well as the club manager.

He supported community efforts, including serving on the board of the Wapakoneta Industrial Development Inc. and was a dedicated Red Cross blood donor, giving more than 30 gallons over decades. His life passion was sailing boats and he had the opportunity to sail several times with an international crew from California to Mexico. In addition to sailing, Jim enjoyed canoeing the Auglaize River, planting giant gardens and many trees, playing with tractors and Gravelys, listening to Elvis records, buying junk at auctions, and spending time with family and friends at what he called "doings".

Jim's survivors include his wife Joan, 3 children Matt (Lindsay) Hepp, Jill (Drew McCracken) Hepp both of Ridgway, Colorado, Mark (Jen) Hepp of Dayton; 6 beloved grandchildren Jonah, Neely, Sadie, Tilda, Morgan, and Aspen and 5 brothers Thomas Hepp of Maine, Dick (Ginger Beaver) Hepp of Nevada, Steve (Pam) Hepp of Florida, Dan (Cindy) Hepp of Springfield, OH, and Paul (Angela-deceased) Hepp of Piqua, OH.

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers Tony and Jerry Hepp and an infant sister Martha Hepp.

A Celebration of Life (a "major doings" in Jim Hepp lexicon) will be held the weekend of August 15-16, 2026. Further details will be shared in coming weeks.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Red Cross, Arbor Day Foundation, Holy Face of Jesus Parish or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.