J. Michael Ephland

James Michael Ephland, 78, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Mike was born July 13, 1945, to the late Charles Ray Ephland, Jr., and the late Grace Goodwin Ephland.
He graduated from Grimsley High School, Greensboro, NC, in 1963. He attended NC State University and completed a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics. He then earned an MBA at UNC-Chapel Hill. Joining the U.S. Navy, he completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Ensign. Most of his Naval Service was aboard the U.S.S. Yellowstone in the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas and he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He was a Vietnam era veteran and received health care at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, NC. Following discharge, Mike worked in several businesses as an internal auditor, corporate planner, and senior auditor. He then started his own real estate business and home repair/remodeling business. While working, Mike also enjoyed boat restoration and time at Lake James. Mike attended Wooden Boat Shows and built his own skiff at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center located in Beaufort, NC.
Mike loved nature and all animals, especially cats. Mike and his family cared for more than 200 feral cats at his workshop, home on Town Mountain Road, and his current residence in Leicester, by providing medical treatment and finding homes for adoption.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Plemmons Ephland; daughter, Kelsey Lynn Core; brother, Charles R. Ephland, III (Joellen Buckio); and two nieces, Kristen Ephland Cox (Randy) and Lauren Ephland.
His family will greet friends on Friday September 1, 2023, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends2Ferals.org or to MountainPetRescueAvl.org, honoring his dedication to cat rescue.