St. Marys Boat Club, Inc.

Celebration of Life for Jim Hepp is August 15.

The family sent "We really do want everyone to feel welcome, so please pass along the message that we have ordered plenty of food and beverages, all are welcome and that even if someone hasn't RSVP'd, we still want them to come."

Please RSVP

The link is here again for your ease of reference: https://evite.me/5HHYTEQDQt

SMBC SHRIMP FEST!

Instead of our Shrimp Boil... we're changing it to a SHRIMP THEME event.

August 1st (Saturday)
We're starting a bit earlier than usual... 2:00 ish...with an "Open Hatch", where everyone who wants to can invite our members to check out their boats!

We'll also start sharing "Potluck Style Appetizers" in the Clubhouse at that time. (Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share!)
We're asking for donations to cover the cost of the SHRIMP ITEMS (Shrimp cocktail, grilled shrimp, shrimp stir-fry, shrimp ceviche, 1 pot of the shrimp boil concoction ...)

Please send your RSVP to [email protected] by 7/30 so we know how much shrimp to buy!

Thanks!

The SMBC Social Committee

James A. Hepp, 80, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 7:50 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2026 at St. Rita's Medical Center after an extended illness. Jim was born on January 1, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio to Al and Mary Ann (Schneider) Hepp who preceded him in death. His family moved to Wapakoneta, Ohio in his early childhood, and on September 4, 1970, he married Joan Haehn and they enjoyed 55 years together.

Jim was a 1964 graduate of St. Joseph High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy starting in 1964 and he enjoyed being posted near the ocean in Brunswick, Maine until he was honorably discharged in 1968. He worked as a welder at Proctor & Gamble, Midmark and General Dynamics. A lifelong entrepreneur and lover of boats and cider, he and Joan owned and operated Sycamore Shores canoe livery, a cider mill and a boat repair service. He was an active member of the St. Marys Boat Club for almost 50 years where he had served on the board of governors as well as the club manager.

He supported community efforts, including serving on the board of the Wapakoneta Industrial Development Inc. and was a dedicated Red Cross blood donor, giving more than 30 gallons over decades. His life passion was sailing boats and he had the opportunity to sail several times with an international crew from California to Mexico. In addition to sailing, Jim enjoyed canoeing the Auglaize River, planting giant gardens and many trees, playing with tractors and Gravelys, listening to Elvis records, buying junk at auctions, and spending time with family and friends at what he called "doings".

Jim's survivors include his wife Joan, 3 children Matt (Lindsay) Hepp, Jill (Drew McCracken) Hepp both of Ridgway, Colorado, Mark (Jen) Hepp of Dayton; 6 beloved grandchildren Jonah, Neely, Sadie, Tilda, Morgan, and Aspen and 5 brothers Thomas Hepp of Maine, Dick (Ginger Beaver) Hepp of Nevada, Steve (Pam) Hepp of Florida, Dan (Cindy) Hepp of Springfield, OH, and Paul (Angela-deceased) Hepp of Piqua, OH.

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers Tony and Jerry Hepp and an infant sister Martha Hepp.

A Celebration of Life (a "major doings" in Jim Hepp lexicon) will be held the weekend of August 15-16, 2026. Further details will be shared in coming weeks.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Red Cross, Arbor Day Foundation, Holy Face of Jesus Parish or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Were you at the July Membership Meeting? Well, here are a few pictures of the members that were there.

Some racing on Sunday, July 5th with SMBC on Grand Lake

SMBC wants to wish our friends and family a happy and safe 4th of July

Just a Reminder that we have July's Membership Meeting this Sunday (July 5th) at 4:00 PM. Bring something to share for dinner. And yes, the air is on.

See you on Sunday!

SORRY! THE SHRIMP BOIL HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST 1ST

Due to the 90° heat and 60% chance of storms this Saturday... the Social Committee decided to reschedule SMBC's Shrimp Boil.

Shrimp Boil Dinner will be on Saturday, August 1st.

We'll still have the "Open Hatch Heavy Appetizers" midafternoon, followed by a smaller version of the Shrimp Boil for dinner. And deserts all day!

Here are a few pictures of what's in bloom at the club.