James Brian Eppard

James Brian Eppard, 55, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his Belen, NM home on Friday, April 21, 2017, after a long battle with several serious illnesses. Jim was born in Seattle, WA. Upon graduation from high school in Renton, WA, he joined the US Army as a member of its Corps of Engineers, serving in Honduras and South Korea. Upon discharge, he majored in aerospace studies before being hired by Boeing subsidiary Heath-Tecna. He took medical retirement from the company after a 20-year career and worked for several years as a dialysis technician. Jim was a motorcycle enthusiast. He, his wife Kitty Todorovich, plus the couple’s lifelong friend Bruce Digre went on numerous biking trips in the Pacific Northwest. Jim’s other favorite pastimes were growing bonsai and flying kites. He studied extensively with Bonsai Master David Degroot. Before the family moved from Washington State, Jim had cultivated 227 mature bonsai specimens and was recognized as an expert in the art. Kitty recalls that they spent many weekends at kite flying competitions and shows. Another of his hobbies was gun and knife collecting. When his health began to fail, Jim and Kitty moved to Belen to be near his family. In New Mexico, Jim took up other creative pursuits, including gourd art, painting, leather work and jewelry making. He displayed and sold his artwork locally for several years. A music lover, he particularly enjoyed listening to Kitty play the piano and was a devoted fan of rock singer-songwriter Bob Seger. He relished being in the outdoors and loved animals. Recently, he could be seen traveling Belen sidewalks in his wheelchair, accompanied by his Rottweiler. He was known to his friends for his sharp and satirical wit. Jim is survived by his wife of 26 years, Kitty; son, Jonathan Isaac of Vancouver, WA; mother, Charlene Norris of Belen; lifelong friend and recent caregiver, Bruce Digre; and numerous uncles and aunts living in Valencia County. Father Conan Gill of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Albuquerque will conduct graveside services at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Services are pending, please contact Romero Funeral Home at 505-864-8501 for further information. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charcot Marie Tooth Association, info@cmtausa.org. Please sign Jim’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.

James Brian Eppard

December 3, 1961 - April 21, 2017