James David Crepelle

James requested, in his honor, that everybody wear their favorite sports team shirt/jersey to his Celebration of Life.

James David Crepelle, 56, passed away on January 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 26, 1968, in DeRidder, Louisiana. James was a devoted husband, father, and "Grumps" whose love and dedication to his family were unparalleled.

James was the son of Beverly Crepelle Martin and Jules Crepelle. He graduated from Leesville High School in 1987 and joined the Army Reserves in 1986. He proudly served his country, including active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Storm from January to May 1991 as a unit supply specialist with the 348th Engineer Detachment. James was honorably discharged on January 11, 1994, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment.

On May 27, 1989, James married the love of his life, Tina Renee Christopher. Together, they raised two sons, James and Jerod, building a life centered on faith, love, and family. James was a man of steadfast commitment, celebrating 20 years with Walmart in June 2024, after earlier roles at Montgomery Ward, Sprint, and Best Buy.

A faithful member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church since April 2007, James lived his life guided by his strong faith. He found joy in attending and watching sporting events, always cheering on his favorite teams, LSU and the Dallas Cowboys. Above all, James loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their extracurricular activities, always their #1 Fan. He cherished making memories with his wife, kids, and grandchildren, leaving a legacy of love and laughter.

James’s family will forever cherish his laugh, sharp sense of humor, dry wit, and snarky remarks. Even during his illness, he never lost the ability to find light in the darkness.

James is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Tina Crepelle; sons, James (Rachel) Crepelle and Jerod Crepelle; grandchildren, Nicholas and Elsie Crepelle; his mother, Beverly Crepelle Martin; his father, Jules (Becky) Crepelle; his sister, Lisa (Ashley) Crepelle; uncles Glen (Dorothy) Lowrimore, Gary Don (Gloria) Lowrimore, and Gene Firmin; cousins Dana (Trent) Allison and family, Marie (Ray) Rider and family, Ashley Lowrimore and family, and Charlie (Grace) Huff.

He is preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Rev. Tommy "Big Daddy" Huff and Nan "Big Mama" Huff; grandparents, Rev. G.W. “Papaw” Lowrimore and Celesta “Mamaw” Lowrimore, Norman “Grandpa” and Ruth “Grandma” Firmin; uncle, Tommy Huff; and aunt, Jim Huff.

James personally selected friends from different seasons of his life to be his pallbearers: Robert Teta and Chris McGee from Leesville High School; Darrick Bledsoe Sr. and Robert Busch from Montgomery Ward; John Ashley from the Army Reserves; Phil Jones and Keith Reid from Meadowbrook Baptist Church; and Robert (Bob) Reveles from Walmart.

Special thanks to the teams at Texas Oncology and Providence Hospice for their incredible care and support throughout this journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Remember Everyone Deployed Inc., a cause close to James’s heart. He passionately wore a red shirt every Friday in honor of service members past and present.

James will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his unwavering love, his warm heart, and the countless ways he enriched the lives of those around him.