James R. "Shorts" Stephens
1936 - 2015 | Obituary
James R. "Shorts" Stephens
78, died Sunday, March 22, 2015 at his son's home in Newton, Kansas.
He was born November 28, 1936 in McCurtain, Oklahoma to Lewis A.
"Hude" and Eunice M. (Searcy) Stephens. He married Char M.
Sharp on November 29, 1957 at Newton, Kansas. They were later
divorced, but remained lifelong friends.
He was a graduate of McCurtain High
School and served his country from 1959 to 1965 in the United States
Army Reserves. He was retired from the Santa Fe Railroad offices
after nearly 33 years of service. He enjoyed fishing and bowling and
played on the longest running Newton league team "Millers
Cleaners". He was a member of the VFW and American Legion and
also belonged to the former ELKS club all in Newton. James was known
for his kind generosity and would "give the shirt off his back"
to those in need.
He is survived by his son Gary and his
wife Julie Stephens of Newton, Kansas. He is also survived by two
grandchildren, Megan Stephens of Winfield and Kyle Stephens of
Newton, and one great-grandchild Ethan
James was preceded in death by his
parents and two brothers Charles and Robert Stephens.
A gathering time with family will be
from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday evening with the family receiving
friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home. A private
family inurnment will be at a later date in the family cemetery in
McCurtain, Oklahoma.
Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes
Memorial Hospice in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
Published in The Kansan from Mar. 24 to
Mar. 27, 2015
