James Fairchild Ceperley

James "Jim" Fairchild Ceperley, 73, passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 28, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia, following an extended illness.

A graduate of Marple Newtown High School in suburban Philadelphia (1970), Jim went on to earn a degree in biology from Geneva College (1974) and later received his medical technology certification from Thomas Jefferson University (1979). Between college and graduate school, Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1977, stationed as a company clerk at Fort Hood, Texas.

Jim built his career in the health professions as a medical technologist, working in hospitals and clinics across Philadelphia before relocating to Virginia Beach. He was a lifelong athlete and avid sports fan. As a boy, he and his twin brother Jeff played football, baseball, and ran cross country. His older brother Tim recalls Jim's ability to pitch and play the outfield with finesse-despite the lack of left-handed baseball gloves at the time, which forced Jim to adapt with a first baseman's mitt. During a family year abroad in Jerusalem, high school-aged Jim introduced local kids to American-style basketball. Years later, while in the Army, he developed into a skilled tennis player, eventually rising to #2 in his division. In his later years, Jim took up running and competed in three triathlons alongside Jeff.

Growing up as an identical twin in the 1950s and '60s gave Jim a mischievous edge. He delighted in impersonating Jeff-swapping glasses and confusing classmates and teachers alike. That playful spirit endured throughout his life. Even in his final years, Jim and Jeff continued to surprise and amuse, once causing a stir among residents of the Norwood Heights Rehabilitation Center who were convinced that they were seeing double.

Above all, Jim was a proud father. When his son, Christopher, was born, Jim would come home late from work and quietly kneel next to the bassinet just to watch his baby breathe-occasionally giving him a gentle poke to be sure. When his daughter, Genevieve, came along, Jim quickly embraced fatherhood once more; from climbing and playing ball at the park to feeding geese and diving into pools and ocean waves.

Jim is survived by his children, Christopher and Genevieve; his brothers Timothy, Andrew (Skip), and his twin, Jeffrey; his niece Stepheni (Jared); nephew Andrew; and great niece Paloma. A small family gathering was held at the home of his twin brother to celebrate Jim's life.