Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Agent Epling,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for Country-as a Border Patrol Agent and when you served with the U.S. Army Reserve as well. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
A fellow BPA

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 16, 2023

Rest in peace Border Patrol Agent Epling.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2019

Mrs. Epling:

Your husband's case popped into my head this morning, and I found this page. I recall when he died that it made an impact on me, and I interviewed you by phone for an article I was working on. You were still upset but maintained impressive bearing in the face of something so agonizingly unfair. It's wonderful to read the tributes and see how well you have done in the years since.

Mr. Epling is proof that pain is temporary, but courage lives forever.

May God continue to bless you and guide your sons.

Dan Rabil
formerly Maj, USMCR and AZ resident 1990-2000

January 18, 2019

Jimmy,
As the boys get older and they hear how much they look like, act, and remind people of you it seems to be comforting, yet rips out their hearts at the same time. Seth misses you, even though he was very young when you died, and instead of losing those memories of you he seems to be sensing your absence more. Jimmy although he never got to meet you, or you him, he really feels the absence of the man he is named after. There will never be a day that you aren’t missed, loved, and needed.

Monica C. Epling
Wife

December 16, 2017

Dad,
I miss you so much I wish you could be here with us and that we could see you. Jimmy and I are doing fine we just wish you could be with us. This time of the year is always hard for us.

Love Seth.

Seth Epling
Son

December 16, 2017

Just told my 2 daughters about a hero I knew. You ARE still alive in us Jimmy

Lt Matthew Hopko
Warren county NJ/Ft Sam Houston TX

August 22, 2017

Jimmy,
It seems that lately as time goes by your absence is getting harder on people. I feared that you would be forgotten, but I know now that there were many who cared for you and I hope that you will bring comfort not just to your parents, the kids and I but to all those whose hearts still ache for you. Just like always, I will love you forever and miss you always.

Wife Monica Epling
Wife of James Epling

December 16, 2015

It's been 12 years brother. I still remember the conversations we had, the good times and hard times we shared together. I love you and think of you often.

BPA David Crow
USBP class 537

December 16, 2015

Dear Jimmy,
Your sons are growing into handsome, talented young men. My heart feels heavy when I am watching Seth run and he reminds me of you; I can't help but think of how proud you would be to watch him; but then the sadness is gone and I am so grateful that I have a beautiful reminder of you and watching him is to watch you.
Jimmy, well he has your smile, your sensitivity and your laugh. Sometimes I can't help but wonder how he knows just what to say and what to do right when I need it. I know you are whispering encouragement, strength and wisdom to him.
Shaine, still considers you his Dad. You were the one who changed his diapers, taught him to ride his bike and literally saved his life. He would not be here now, becoming the great young man he is, if not for you. This March he got baptized at the San Antonio temple for you, I like to think that he returned the favor by giving you salvation now.
Sean, well he is growing up, and realizes that you are his true "father". It takes more than biology to be a Dad. If not for you he would not be attending school and have the opportunity to have a future.
You provided for them in life and continue to do so in death, we will always love you and be grateful for your love and continued presence and guidance.

Monica Epling
Wife

December 16, 2014

Agent Jimmy Epling, may you never be forgotten for your sacrifice, but more so for you courage to take the task daily of your job. I pray for your wife & three sons for peace & comfort. Rest In Peace & thank you for your service.

Citizen Tracy Corley
Louisiana

December 11, 2014

Jimmy,
Today the kids and I had a memorial for you. I am so thankful for those friends and families who came. The support we had shows that you live on and that we are not alone. Time may pass, but you are not forgotten. You are never any further than the love I carry for you within me. You were, are and always will be loved by us. The boys and I love and miss you.

Monica Epling
Wife

December 16, 2013

Jimmy,
Today we are going to have a grave dedication and memorial for you. I wanted to remind those around us that although 10 years have passed, you are still in my heart, the boys hearts and always present. Shaine and Seth were too young to remember your funeral and Jimmy wasn't born yet, but hopefully this will be something that they can remember in years to come. They should know you were, are and always will be loved and remembered. Not one day goes by that I don't miss or love you.

Love Always,
Monica Epling

Monica Epling
Wife

December 16, 2013

This poem is dedicated to our Son Jimmy on the 10th anniversary of his passing. Jimmy left us 10years ago at the age of 24 on December 16th 2003. He was a wonderful young man and we miss him dearly. We love you Jimmy.

"Family Chain"
We little new that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our Hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day that God called you home.
You left us with beautiful memories,
your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our Family Chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
The Chain will link again.

Mr & Mrs Epling
Mother and Father

December 16, 2013

Mr. Biasi and I send our thoughts and prayers to you, Jimmy's mother, father,and brothers. We were unable to find a current address when we learned of Jimmy's sacrifice. To Monica and sons, although we have not met, we pray for all of you.
I was Jimmy's track coach in high school. My memories of him remain vivid. He was a wonderful human being, and yes, a fine runner, as well.
I believe, we shared a bond beyond the track. I still have letters he sent from his Army basic training training and can hear his voice telling me , " I am the fastest in my platoon." He expressed his love of running and hopes of passing that love on to his kids-when the time came. He thanked me...

Rest in peace, Jimmy, and thank you.
You will not be forgotten.

Coach Barbara Biasi
Bruton High School

May 1, 2013

Daddy,
I miss you and I think about you all the time.

I will never forget

James Epling II
son

December 16, 2012

Dad,
We all miss you and wish you were still alive.this year is my 13th birthday.
Sincerely

SHAINE CASAS
SON

December 16, 2012

DADDY,
I miss you , I wish you were here right now.
I know we will be together for time and eternity.
I MISS AND LOVE YOU DADDY !

Seth Epling
son

December 16, 2012

NINE YEARS and I have finally reached the point where I can be grateful for what we shared and what you left behind instead of grieving your loss and what we won't get to share. I know that we will have an eternity to have happiness and love with our family, so when you view it like that a mortal life of pain is but the blink of an eye to endure in exchange for an eternal life of joy and peace. Having said that we still miss you, I am after all still human. As always we love and miss and think of you daily. Love always,

Monica, Sean, Shaine, Seth & Jimmy

Monica epling
Wife

December 16, 2012

Jimmy,

Still thinking about you buddy, It will be 10 years in January since we met.


Never forgotten.

Tripodi
USBP/Classmate

November 22, 2012

JImmy, when I met you I saw alot of promise and potential and I knew you were headed in the right direction. A leader in the making. You will not be forgotten and you will always be remembered as a hero! I was glad to have known you!

Specialist Isaac
US Army

February 5, 2012

Dear DAD,
I miss you so much. I wish you were here. I am going to take flowers to the cemetary today. I love you.

love,
Seth

Seth Epling
son

December 16, 2011

Jimmy,
Like every anniversary we will be visiting the cemetary. Seth and Jimmy remind me so much of you and John, they are so close and resemble you two it is uncanny. I know that even though I miss you terribly you are never too far because all I have to do is look at them. Their eyes, facial expressions and especially their smiles. We miss and love you always.

Monica

Monica Epling
wife

December 16, 2011

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't reflect back on being your Field Training Officer. You were so much fun to have as a trainee and no doubt you would have had a bright future in the patrol. I miss you and love you brother.

SBPA Todd Johnson

December 14, 2011

Jimmy is my best friend. I'm not going to say was because I can't and won't replace him. I met him Easter Sunday 1999 on a basketball court. We became friends instantly because we share a similar tattoo on our stomachs. After that first encounter we were inseparable until he left for the Army Reserves in 2000 I believe. I see my dude everyday though in pictures and what not, but it isn't the same as having him here. My deepest sympathy to his wife and children, his mom and dad and his brothers. Your pain is mine.

Much Love.....
Shavy D.
06/28/2011

Shavez
Friend

June 29, 2011

I met Jimmy in the Army. He was part of a large group of soldiers who went from Basic Training at Fort Benning to AIT at Ft Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX.
My memory of Jimmy is that of an unassuming, yet magnetic person. Very friendly and enjoyed a good time. He could run like the wind; he could take off like a rabbit and make you feel like you were going backwards. On this Memorial Day weekend we remember those who have fallen. Jimmy Epling is a hero. Our nation lost a good man. His family has lost the most. He will not be forgotten.

Jeff Williamson
U.S. Army

May 29, 2011