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John “Jack” Henry Jepson passed away suddenly on July 25, 2023, at the age of 38, following a courageous battle with mental illness and addiction. Jack was born in Des Moines on Aug. 26, 1984 to proud parents Julie Witt Jepson and Daniel “Dan” Jepson. He entered this world alongside his beloved twin sister Hannah Jepson Slaughter.
A charming and outgoing child with a contagious smile, Jack could make anyone laugh and enjoyed a good practical joke. Jack lovingly teased his twin for her “skis for feet” (she got him back with jokes about his “chicken legs”). Jack’s mother called him her “Bubarino.” She happily made him cinnamon toast, his favorite, whenever he asked. Jack downed the toast and ran out the door to play sports with friends. Jack excelled at every sport he played, including baseball, soccer and hockey. He insisted on wearing a baseball cap and a jersey or shirt with a number on it at all times. As goalie, Jack’s soccer team nicknamed him “vacuum cleaner” at the State Championship. Jack played for the Des Moines Junior Buccaneers travel hockey team, Iowa Wolves hockey team, and Raccoon Valley baseball. He also played on the Snappers roller hockey team, coached by his father Dan. He was MVP of all his hockey teams.
Jack looked forward to spending the summer with his grandma, papa and sister in Storm Lake. He learned how to ride a bike in Storm Lake with the McKenna boys. Jack biked all around town, visiting his many friends and Smokey at Sportsman’s Goods. Jack jumped at the chance to join the neighbors’ pick-up baseball games and tournaments. His talents attracted attention and the local team invited Jack to join. Storm Lake was Jack’s happy place.
Jack attended Roosevelt High School and received his GED from DMACC in a record time of three days. He was blessed with his greatest pride and joy, his sons, Layden William (2009) and Brecken Lee (2013). Jack shared his love of baseball with his children. He often coached his sons’ teams and rarely missed a game. When not at the diamond, Jack loved to fish and root for the Hawkeyes, Blackhawks, and Cubs. Jack’s father Dan instilled in him a love for fishing and camping from a young age.
Jack faced the many challenges in his life with bravery and a desire to be victorious over his struggles. While he had a fondness for stealing his mom’s keys and car, he never lost touch with his big heart. When someone stole his mom’s bike from Ashworth Pool, Jack made a point to buy her a nice new bike. Jack was loving, strong, hard working, caring, forgiving, and funny as hell. His children describe him as “goofy, energetic, smart, and an all-star athlete.”
Jack was preceded in death by his father, Dan, and his grandparents, Bill Witt and Jane and Sid Jepson. He is survived by his handsome sons, Layden and Brecken, his mother, Julie, his twin sister, Hannah (Clifton), their children, Mason and Stella, his grandmother, Marlene Witt, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who love him dearly. Jack had an infectious personality and a heart of gold. He never met a stranger. We will always remember Jack for his kindness, generosity, huge sense of humor, and heroic perseverance.
Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road in Des Moines. Services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 at Iles Westover Chapel with a reception to follow. Flowers and memorial donations can be sent to the family in care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be expressed at www.ilescares.com.
