James Ernest Stephens' Obituary
James Ernest Stephens
"Jim"
1933-2016
James Ernest Stephens, known as "Jim" to those who knew and loved him, passed away peacefully after an illness on July 12, 2016 at the age of 82. Jim was born in Mammoth, Utah (near Eureka, Utah) in 1933 to Ernest and Ethel Stephens. His siblings were Loraine and Joe.
Jim was honored to be the father of three children; Tonya, Jeff, and Troy as well as one step-daughter, Janilee. He deeply regretted some estrangement within the family and wanted to express his love to them. He was thrilled with the opportunity of getting to know four of his grandchildren and daughter-in-law in recent years.
Jim served as a paratrooper in the United States Army. He enjoyed his service and had a deep love for his country. While attending Brigham Young University and later, Weber State College, he completed his bachelor's degree in architecture. Jim excelled in the art of drafting and became a gifted and meticulous draftsman. His drafting table was a focus for all those who entered his home.
Hunting and horseback riding were a favorite of Jim's. He owned two horses, one being a half-Arabian named Irish Melody. Jim loved music and played the guitar. He also loved cars, motorcycles, baseball, tools of all kinds, and lifting weights. Jim found gratification in his collection of coins, vinyl records, and old documents including letters from friends and greeting cards.
The majority of Jim's life was lived in Utah with the last thirty-five or so years spent in the same condominium in Roy. He held high regard for his neighbors and relished those friendships. Jim was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and formed many bonds of friendship in his ward family over the years. He appreciated all of the love and service the Roy14th ward gave him and it was such a great strength and blessing in his life. Jim took pride in his service of cleaning, on a weekly basis, his local LDS church building.
A memorial service honoring Jim will be held at the LDS church on 5850 South 2575 West in Roy, Utah at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28th, 2016.
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