James Leroy Sephton Sr.

James Leroy Sephton Sr., born July 10th, 1944, departed this world on the morning of November 17th, 2016. Jim, as he was known, left behind a large family that included his wife of 51 years, Valerie, as well as his kids, daughters Kimberly Sephton Ullrich and husband Michael, Jennifer Bohrnstedt and husband Tom, Jacqueline Cline and husband Tommy, and sons Lloyd Akina and wife Debbie, Russell Akina, Lot Akina and wife Kim, Troy Oliveira and wife Kaui, and James Leroy Sephton Jr. and wife Janette. He also had numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Rosella Choate and Benjamin Cagle, mom and dad Lillian and Benny Johnson, and daughter Rochelle Marasco, and son Edison "Eddie" Akina.

He was dearly loved by his grandchildren and he had many in this regard. They are listed as follows: Jason, Jonathon, Jordan, Janelle, Robert, Stephen, Brandon, JJ, Erik, Emma Kaitlyn, Brandi, Kira, Joshua, Mac, Eric, Aarron, Ariel, Hoku, Mikey, Brittany, Corina, Kevin, Shane, Donald, Justin, Starr, Tiani, Jr., Alexi, Kawehilani, and Baby Valerie. He was blessed with many great grandchildren, most of whom he was not able to meet in his declining years. In total, he could have fielded a football team!

He leaves behind four brothers and one sister: Carl Richardson Jr., Donald "Donnie" Richardson and wife Martha, Ronald Richardson and wife Gladys, Glenn Richardson and wife Debbie, and Wanda Richardson and her husband Brad.

Jim grew up a native Houstonian and loved everything about his hometown, especially the sports teams he rooted for. Fate however led him to join the US Navy where a brief tour stationed him at Pearl Harbor. It is during this time he met a woman with seven kids that would change his life. On June 14th, 1965 he married Valerie at the local Justice of the Peace near the beaches at Waikiki, HI.

Upon leaving the life of a sailor, Jim and Val settled in Houston with his mom Lillian. He began his employment life as a machinist working on parts for the oil field industry, a profession he would work in until the the mid 2000's. It was this career path that afforded him his home at 4927 Charriton Dr. that would house, not only his wife, but all the kids that would come from Hawaii, the children he had with his wife, and eventually his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was very passionate about his love of Houston sports teams. Number one in his heart were the Houston Oilers until they moved to Tennessee. He rooted for them in their lone Super Bowl appearance and up until Houston was awarded a new franchise at which time he became a supporter of the Houston Texans. Jim was fortunate enough to have seen the Houston Rockets win back to back championships, as well as the Houston Astros play in the World Series.

Jim loved family and he was adamant that all of his kids were raised to know that in his house family meant more than just a common bond of blood. Before he and Val had kids of their own together, Jim fully accepted the role of a father to her children. A lesson taught early on in his house was a simple one: "There is no such thing as a half in this family, only whole." Jim would extend this to countless friends in his lifetime as well as those of his children and grandchildren. It is not uncommon to read or hear from many of these people and have them refer to him as their second dad or grandfather across many ethnic lines.

In his final days Jim lived a relatively quiet life with his wife and a host of grand dogs. He still rooted on his sports teams, but spent most days reading. He enjoyed visits by his family members as well as the occasional phone calls. Jim left this world exactly in the manner he wanted to and although he will be sorely missed by those who knew him, he will live on in their memories.