James T. Hepp, age 87 of Lilydale, MN, passed away Aug. 10. 2021. Survived by wife, Eileen; daughters, Cindy (Jim) Layton, Rita (Mark) Desmond and Kate(Mike Bartz) Hepp; grandchildren, Timothy (Ashley Dickson) Layton, Sarah (Jason) Dodson, Benjamin Layton, Andrew (Lisa) Desmond and Allison Desmond; great grandchildren, Soren, Shaw, Alden, London, Payton, Luke and Zachary; sister, Milene Wegner; nieces, nephews and friends.  Preceded in death by his parents, Miles Thomas and Bernice Suzann Hepp and brothers, Thomas and Jerome Hepp.  James retired after 20 years as a Lt Colonel from the United States Air Force where he was a fighter pilot and received numerous awards and medals including The Bronze Star, The Air Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal and The Distinguished Flying Cross Medal.  He continued his career as President of MN Taxpayers Research Association Duluth, followed by employment as a lobbyist on the State and Federal level for MN Power–Allete.  Upon his retirement James wintered with his wife, Eileen in El Mirage, AZ enjoying great friends and his grapefruit tree.  He enjoyed time with his family, reading, hunting, fishing and rock collecting.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Thursday Aug. 19 (visitation 9:30-10:30 AM) at St. Peter's Catholic Church 1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota Hts.  Interment with military honors Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.   Memorials preferred to Minnesota Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Johnson-Peterson Funeral Home

St. Paul, MN

651-222-3220