James H. "Jim" Stephens

On January 24, 2023, James H. "Jim" Stephens finished his race and joined his heavenly father at the age of 77. He was born on May 5, 1945 in Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia to Delbert Rule Stephens and Angela Ruth Dressler Stephens. He grew up on Big Tyler Mountain and graduated from Nitro High School. During his school career he served in the West Virginia Civil Air Patrol Rescue Squadron. He was also a talented saxophone player and was in a local dance band.

After attending Diesel Mechanic School in Nashville, Tennessee, he accepted a position with DuPont de Nemours plant in Victoria, TX. The move to Victoria led to a 47 year career with DuPont as well as meeting and marrying his sweetheart Candace Jeanette Pierce Stephens.

His love of service led him back to Civil Air Patrol in Victoria and served with adults and young cadets for 7 years until he moved his family to Jackson County, Texas to build a farm raising and showing registered Appaloosa horses, hogs and hay. During his time in Jackson County, he served as a 4-H leader mentoring dozens of children and teenagers for over 10 years.

He took a deep interest in living history and buck skinning skills, joining Texas Brigade of Skinners. He learned and taught trapping, shooting, hunting and his artistic talent of blacksmithing. He shared his knowledge and heart for all things Texas History with all who wanted to learn.

He made one final family move to DeWitt County, Texas. After his retirement from DuPont, he attained his Emergency Medical Technician (Intermediate) license and served in Yorktown and Cuero area for 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother Delbert and Angela Stephens, brother Lawrence Stephens and great-grandchild Anna Marie Clayton.

Jim is survived by his beloved bride of 54 years Candace Stephens, sons James H. Stephens Jr. and Terry Stephens and daughter Angela Sargent. He is also survived by cousin Nancy Vickers Hanning, and nieces Kelly Stephens and Randy Stephens, 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Church of Christ, 1100 Macarthur Street, Cuero, TX 77954. Flowers can be sent to the Cuero Church of Christ or donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Cuero Church of Christ.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.masseyfh.com

Arrangements made by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas 361-564-2900.

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