James Hutton Sepull Jr., 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Shelbyville, Tennessee, on September 28, 2026. Jim was born on May 5, 1935, in Alpena, Michigan, to James Hutton Sepull Sr. and Vernice LaLonde Sepull. The eldest of five children, he graduated from Alpena High School in 1954. During his youth, he developed an interest in both sailing and amateur radio. He attended Ferris State University and maintained a love of learning throughout his lifetime. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, Jim began working from an early age, helping at his grandparents’ drugstore and later working both on-air and in production at Alpena radio station WATZ. He was later employed by National Gypsum in Detroit. Eventually, he became a manager of trucking terminals for Leaseway Transportation. In 1995, he retired as Safety and Compliance Manager for BMI Trucking. Jim was known in many circles for his friendly and authentic demeanor, as well as his appreciation for the power of humor. He was an active member of the Shelbyville Lions Club, First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville, the Bedford County Arts Council, and the Providence Club in Annapolis, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Phillip Sepull; his sister, Patti Jo Bennett; and his brother-in-law, Joe Clearwood. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his children, JC (Gretchen) Sepull of Flower Mound, Texas, and Danielle (Randy) Moore of Huntsville, Alabama; and his stepchildren, Carrie (Jeff) Byrne of Suffolk, Virginia, and Jim (Abbey) Reed of Wilmington, North Carolina. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Raelyn, CJ, Holly, Rebecca, Nathan, and Bennett; his siblings, Carol Clearwood of Alpena, Michigan, and Tom Sepull of Mission Viejo, California; and many adoring nieces and nephews. Above all, Jim was a kind and loving man. When asked how he was doing, he almost always replied with his signature, “Ginger Peachy!” His outlook on life was equally reflected in one of his favorite mantras: “It’s only a problem if you make it one.” He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Taylor Funeral Home on Duke of Gloucester Street in Annapolis, Maryland, followed by interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or First Presbyterian Church in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Feldhaus-Gowen-Smith Chapel is honored to be serving the family of James Hutton Sepull, Jr.
Feldhaus-Gowen-Smith Chapel is honored to be serving the family.
