JAMES DAVID DEPPEN
July 7, 1937 - January 7, 2021
Jim Deppen entered this world on July 8, 1937. He would comment each year that "My birthday was celebrated with fireworks 4 days early." He was born in Lewisburg, PA to Rufus and Iona Deppen, 5th of 7 seven children. Raised in Montandon, Pennsylvania, he graduated from West Chillisquaque Township High School, earned an AA degree at College of Sequoias, Visalia California in 1976 and AA degree in Computer Science in 1987 at Coleman College in La Mesa, California. He served with the Air Force and loved to claim that there were no war intrusions over the Mexico border while he was stationed in Tucson, Arizona.
His joys, gifts and milestones along the way were many during his life. He worked as a District manager for United Grocers for 15 years and directed distribution operations to fifty stores over two-county area. He then became a practical consultant to independent grocery stores for the next six years. He returned to school and became a Systems Operator before accepting a job as Administrative Assistant to the President for Southwest Traders in Temecula, CA. He was a sales representative for Culligan Water for 12 years in both San Diego and Bakersfield. His last job was as a Trades Dealer Driver for Motor City, a 6 year job he thoroughly enjoyed because he met and talked with people which was combined with his love of driving, cars and ability to plan and navigate road trips.
Jim was an articulate, open person with a wonderful sense of humor, gifted with a beautiful singing voice, and used strong communication abilities to function effectively. More than anything else, Jim was blessed by the friendship of many people. He established new relationships easily and maintained them in longstanding. He truly valued his friendships. He never knew a stranger, beginning conversations and often leaving Starbucks, restaurants, or businesses with new friends who he would describe as "really nice people." Playing baseball constantly during his youthful years, he was an avid baseball fan and also enjoyed playing golf, both for the sport and the fellowship. He was an avid reader especially enjoying theological books, history and biographies. He also loved to plan travel trips.
Jim used his love of teaching to share the gospel at many churches including Mens' groups at Mt. Solidad Presbyterian in San Diego, Presbyterian in Ivanhoe, (as well as organizing concerts), First Presbyterian, and Northminister Church in Bakersfield CA. God blessed him with several supportive church families who had a tremendous impact on his spiritual life.
Preceded in death by his parents Rufus & Iona, his three brothers, Bob, Rich, and Fred and sisters Emma Jane Fetzer-Myers and Jean Fairchild, his wife Joyce and his second wife Nancy.
He had many jewels in the crown of life. Joyce Grose, the mother of his five children, and Jim enjoyed 25 years of married life before her passing in 1984. He and Nancy Wallace enjoyed 4 ½ years of marriage before her passing in 1989. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his brother Don (Diane) Deppen and sister-in-law Shirley Deppen; his children Diane (Mark) Shelton, Connie (James) Hawley, David (Laura) Deppen, Jodi (Ray) Beltran and Paula Deppen (Pete); his step children Alyce Wallace and Angela (Ted) Brandon; Chad Hendrix, Brad (Cindy) Hendrix and Carrie (Mike) Lee. Jim proudly claimed 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
And last of all, a gift of love that was given to Jim in the last chapter of his life, meeting in 1995, from Carol Hendrix (nee Hause) married close to 20 years.
On January 7, 2021, at age 83, Jim went home to be with the Lord. Jim would want you to know as you are reading his final send off, that he is among the saints of Heaven today not because he was a good man, a good father, a good friend and a good husband (and he was all of those things) but because of the sacrifice given by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who died that all people who believe in him, will be with him someday in that "home not made with hands".
In lieu of flowers, Jim's memory may be honored by a donation to Northminster Presbyterian Church (NPC) Memorial Fund, 3700 Union Ave. 93305 or to Alzheimer's Foundation: https://alzfdn.org/. Due to Covid 19, a memorial service will be set for a later date.