James Dean Culpepper, 62, of the Camden, Mo., area, passed away on January 18, 2019 in Oceanside, Calif. James was born in Leavenworth, Kans., on May 9, 1956 to John Dee Culpepper and Lillian (Wright) Culpepper.

James had lived most of his life in Ray County in the Richmond, Camden and Orrick areas. He had worked as a heavy equipment operator for over 20 years for the Kincaid Construction company in Kansas City. Earlier he had worked for Missouri Rock Co. at the Orrick quarry. Being a very talented man, James also did carpentry work. He had helped to restore the Assembly of God Church in Richmond and the Ray County Salvation Army store in Richmond. He had traveled to Seattle, Wash., where he built small homes for the homeless. Most recently he had traveled to Oceanside, Calif., where he passed away.

James liked to fish and loved the outdoors. Being a talented man, he liked to build things. He enjoyed blues music and classic rock music. He especially liked to spend time with his family, especially the kids, and his nephews and nieces.

He is survived by a daughter, Jamie L. Newsome and husband, Robert of Orrick, Mo.; a son, Chris Battagler of Rayville, Mo.; brother, John Culpepper and wife, Mary of Amoret, Mo.; sister, Joy Culpepper Story of Gladstone, Mo.; and granddaughter, Rebecca Newsome. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jerry Culpepper, and sister, Jeanie Culpepper Miner.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Alvin Langston officiating. Cremation will follow the services.

Memorials are suggested to The Richmond Assembly of God Church, 303 S. College, Richmond, MO 64085.