James Anthony Epley, 62, passed away on January 26, 2017 in Jacksonville, FL. He was born July 12, 1954 in Norfolk, VA, the son of James Marvin Epley and Hazel Juanita Epley. James was a graduate of Georgia Southern University. He retired from AT&T. He was recently employed with Ace Hardware because of his love for gardening, and Wild Birds Unlimited because of his love for birds. James is survived by his wife, Karon; daughter, Lauren Brooks; brothers, Zane Epley and Art Karpenski; and three grandchildren, Brooke Laney, Jordan Laney and Gavin Massey. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, February 3 from 1 p.m. until time of Memorial Service at 2 p.m. in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin.