Jimmie Leonard Culpepper

Jimmie (Jim), was born on April 19, 1944 in Houston, TX. His family moved around during his upbringing, and he lived in places as far away as Africa, and as close as Arlington, TX. He graduated from North Kingstown High School (‘62) in North Kingstown, RI. While in high school he played the tuba, and was able to march in the Rose Bowl Parade. He then attended the University of Houston (‘67), and the South Texas College of Law Houston (‘71).

Jim began his career as a chemical engineer for Union Carbide. While working there, he completed his Juris Doctorate at South Texas. His first years as an attorney were with the criminal courts, and then opened his own law firm. He was a successful attorney in Houston, TX and the surrounding area for almost 50 years. During his career, he became Board Certified in three areas; Personal Injury, Civil Trial Law, and Real Estate. He also became bilingual in Spanish, in order to provide services to more people.

Jim also used his bilingual skills to be a minister in the church of Christ/Iglesia de Cristo. He was a part of numerous mission trips to Mexico, Columbia, and Texas border towns. Jim counseled and was a mentor to many Spanish speaking ministries in the churches of Christ in Houston, TX as well. Most recently, he was the preacher for the Spring Branch church of Christ. It gave him great joy to be able to preach the word of God, and he loved sharing that joy with as many people as possible.

Jim enjoyed many hobbies, the most of which was going to Astros games. He had season tickets for over 40 years. He saw many great Astros moments including no-hitters from Nolan Ryan, the era of the “Killer B’s”, and all the World Series games. He also enjoyed going on photography, hunting and fishing trips.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lana Applebaum Culpepper; son, Jimmy Leonard Culpepper, Jr.; biological parents, Harlan Culpepper and Beatrice Perotta; step-parents, Otto and Dottie Perrotta; sister, Diana Perrotta Marden; and brother, Michael Culpepper. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Joanna Birchfield and Kevin Birchfield; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy Pohl and Robert Pohl; sister, Yvonne Perrotta; brothers, Joe and John Culpepper; sister, Susan Burrow; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anne Stentz and Michael Stentz; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly.

While flowers are welcomed, please also consider making a donation to the spanish speaking works at either the Impact church of Christ in Houston, TX, or the Presidio church of Christ in Presidio, TX.