March 30 1934 April 11 2020
James “Jim” R. Pepperling Jr., 86 of Jacksonville Beach passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at the McCraw Center for Caring of Community Hospice. Jim was born on March 30, 1934 in Wilkes-Barre, PA where he then grew up. He graduated from King’s College with degrees in education and drama. He then moved to New York City and took a job teaching English and directing high school drama students. As side jobs, he waited tables and took up modeling so he could save money to begin realizing his life-long dream to see the world. He began searching for teaching positions in the international community and was hired by International School Services. His first assignment was at a school outside of Tokyo, Japan and over the next 40 years he accepted other assignments in Syria and India. Jim was not only a skilled educator, he also excelled in administrative work, and helped many schools to expand their curriculums. During the summers Jim traveled frequently to Spain and back to the US. He continued his own education and earned a post graduate degree in education. Jim was passionate about teaching English, grammar, and literature and he continued to direct drama programs for his students. At one school he was the director of the boy’s residence for the children of high-ranking international diplomats. During a time of significant turmoil in that part of the world, Jim became a friend and a mentor to many of his students. He made friends that maintained contact with him long after they left the school. A former student who became the superintendent of a New Jersey school district said about Jim, “Mr. Pepperling changed my life and the lives of others. The lessons learned were greater than the literature; they were about the great and not so great world and our positions within it, as active participants.” In 1992 Jim returned to the US and after considering many possible locations, decided to live in Jacksonville Beach. He took an adjunct professor position at the University of North Florida and taught upper level education classes. Upon his retirement from UNF Jim joined the Auxiliary at Baptist Medical Center Beaches and began his final career. For the next 25 years Jim was an avid supporter of the hospital and a dedicated volunteer. He held many leadership positions in the Auxiliary including membership chairman and vice president, and he served two terms as the Auxiliary president. He served in volunteer positions for multiple hospital services and may have been best known as the Friday morning volunteer receptionist in the administration office. An only child, Jim was predeceased by his parents and claimed no other relatives. He had many friends from all over the world, and in the local community of Jacksonville. His energy, his sense of humor, his flight of ideas, his ability to laugh at himself, and his passion for education and volunteerism will be missed by all who knew him. No services are planned at this time. In honor of Jim, please consider a donation to the Auxiliary of Baptist Medical Center Beaches, 1350 13th Avenue South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hawke M.T. Forbes and H.M. “Hank” Forbes Jr. of Forbes Funeral Home, Macclenny. “With Your Family In Mind”. 904-259-4600. Please leave your thoughts and condolences in the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. James R. Pepperling please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James R Pepperling March 30 1934 April 11 2020.
Death notice for the town of: Macclenny, state: Florida
OMG. I was just thinking of him today, as I often do! What a fabulous building block of my kaleidoscope one calls life.
Here’s to you Jim ! I would have never called that to your face — but who does to their idols?
XOX.
The world has lost a good person. He was a tough English teacher because he expected and demanded a lot of his students. He made English interesting, challenging and fun. He had me read George Orwell’s 1984 and do a report on it. It is a memorable moment. He also directed our plays at AES in New Delhi, India. It was on as the years passed that many of came to realize how lucky we were to have Mr. Pepperling as our teacher.
Dr Pepperling was my English teacher at AES, New Delhi, in the 1980s. His “Pepperdinger” pop quizzes were the stuff of legend. RIP
So sorry Jim was a fantastic mentor and guide
He pushed me really hard and made me a better student, actor and person. He had such an indelible mark at a most formative time. He scared me, but was ultimately a loving eccentric and generous of spirit and by senior year I considered him a friend. So many stories… Once I forgot my lines in an important scene in front of a full house and I could see him pacing back and forth in the lighting booth, smoke puffing out of his nostrils and ears and about to cue me before my fellow actor bailed me out. An appropriate name for a fiery giant of a human. And simply the best senior trip chaperone! I will always remember the man who made Shakespeare come alive even as I gazed out at the alluring streets of India. Forever thankful for your presence and guidance. All the love.
Jim was a splendid teacher who loved literature and inspired enthusiasm all around him.
Mr. Pepperling was my all-time favorite teacher, and I credit the books I have written and published directly to his mentorship of me. I was glad I was able to tell him that in the many phone calls we shared. RIP. I know you will have a good audience where you are now.