In Memorium, David G. Jepson, FAIA - October 10, 2025
In Memorium,
David G. Jepson, FAIA
1941 – 2025
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dave Jepson FAIA, former CEO and Principal Emeritus with JCJ Architecture. Dave passed away on October 10th at the age of 84. A person of exceptional warmth and approachability, a man with an abiding love for his profession, a trusted colleague and valued mentor, everyone in the JCJ family is deeply saddened by this loss. Dave’s service to the firm, his many contributions in the community and profession have profoundly and positively affected countless lives. We celebrate a life well lived and a man of many gifts and talents. We extend our deepest condolences to Dave’s wife Sharon and his son Arthur.
Born in 1941 in Meriden, Connecticut, Dave was the son of George and Mildred Jepson. The family was known locally as owners of Jepson's Bookstore on Colony Street, where in his early teen years Dave would help at the store. After graduating from Cheshire Academy, Dave attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and graduated cum laude in the School of Architecture. Joining the Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity, Dave got to know fellow brother Ed Jeter – an event that would become a pivotal moment in both their lives.
Immediately after graduation, Dave went on to Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, Civil Engineering School in Port Hueneme, CA, and served as a commissioned Lieutenant in the Navy's Civil Engineering Corp. He served as Assistant Public Works Officer at the US Naval Air Facility in Naha, Okinawa and was responsible for many projects in support of Naval Air and Fleet Activities across Okinawa, the Ryuku Islands and Taiwan.
After completing active service, Dave returned to Connecticut where he reconnected with Ed Jeter, his fraternity brother from RPI. Dave joined Jeter & Cook Architects, the architectural practice that Sherwood Jeter founded in 1936, and began working as a project designer – earning architectural licensure and learning about the many complexities and joys that come with architectural practice. Dave was invited to become a Principal in the early 1970s and in 1975 became a full partner with Ed after the retirement of Sherwood and his partner Arthur Cook. Dave went on to design over 200 municipal, state and private buildings including a number of award-winning projects. During his tenure, the firm grew from a small local practice to a firm of national stature that has been recognized by industry and peer organizations for its stability, quality of design and dedication to client service. In 2000 he was named to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, an honor that meant the world to him. With Ed’s retirement in 2001, Dave continued to assist and guide a new generation of leadership with his steady and pragmatic hand.
While Dave retired from a day-to-day role at the firm in 2011, he was instrumental in navigating the firm’s decision to transition from a closely held, principal-owned practice to becoming a 100% Employee-Owned firm (ESOP) in 2012. This strategic decision significantly shaped the firm’s culture of collaboration and transparency for all employees.
Inspired by Ed Jeter’s sense of duty and service to the community, Dave served over the decades with many professional and community organizations including leadership positions as trustee and board chairmanships focusing on institutional leadership, finance, facilities, audit & governance. His commitments included the School of Architecture at RPI, Cheshire Academy, the Construction Institute at the University of Hartford, The New Britain Museum of American Art, The Wadsworth Atheneum and The Elizabeth Park Conservancy. After stepping back from active practice, Dave continued and increased his participation in these organizations and others.
Always a man on the move, Dave was never still and always had new projects or endeavors in the works. Dave’s love for people, his desire to be engaged, his creative mind, his relentless work ethic and his quiet optimism inspired all who knew him. He will be deeply, deeply missed.
Between his family, friends, business associates, clients & the joy he found in the work he loved, he lived a wonderful life.