James Bernard Epps

James was born in Emporia, Virginia on August 28, 1954, to James G. and Virginia F. Epps. He was the youngest of eight children. He attended Greensville County Public School.

James graduated from the Naval Academy and was a commissioned officer in the Navy for nine years. He attended Old Dominion University, completed a doctorate in clinical psychology from Temple University and a postdoc at University of Washington. James then joined the faculty of the University of South Florida where he worked for 30 years. He was a renowned teacher and mentor to his students.

James was a true renaissance man. A scholar who loved poetry, music, woodworking, gardening and was at his happiest on the water. James recently lived and worked in Ghana where he loved connecting with his heritage.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Lauri Wright; devoted sons: James G. Epps, II (Molly) and Langston Joshua Epps and stepdaughters: Meghan Wright, Molly Wright and Addie Coffey (Christopher); siblings: Barbara E. Gravely, Betty L. Elder, Brenda L. Alston, and Dorothy Hayes; 10 nephews, eleven nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends. James was preceded in death by his parents, James G. and Virginia F. Epps; and his siblings Bernice Epps-Burnett, Harold L. Epps, Robert L. Epps and Franklin E. Epps.

A service will be held on January 13, 2024, in Emporia, Virginia.