PHOENIX, Ariz. — James E. Stephens passed away on Sunday, Dec 12, 2021, at his home in Gilbert, Arizona.
He was born March 21, 1932, in Stoddard County, Missouri, to parents Helen Marie and Ray Emery Stephens.
JE graduated from Qulin High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Airman First Class James E. Stephens served his country March 1952-March 1956.
JE married Wanda Mekan in 1953, while stationed at Amarillo AFB, Texas.
JE attended Arkansas State College (later University) and received his degree in 1959. He was a member of the Veterans Club, which chartered as Lambda Chi Alpha in 1959, and became founding member No 5.
Soon following college graduation, they moved from Sikeston to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1961. JE and Wanda raised their four daughters while living in Scottsdale.
Jim Stephens taught mathematics at Scottsdale High School for more than 30 years, additionally coaching baseball, filming and photographing High School sports games and events, tutoring students, and starting a Real Estate business.
He is survived by his sister, Narva Dean Young of Poplar Bluff; his wife, Wanda; and his daughters, Dena Stephens, Brenda (Mike) Marozsan, Lisa (Amir) Shafe, and Shelly (Bill) Hartnedy. He is grandfather to 11, great-grandfather to nine, and has one great-great-grandson.
Additionally, his cousins, nieces, nephews, cherished extended family, and so many good friends will all miss his warm laugh, his caring heart, his amazing stories, and his hysterically funny jokes.
A Memorial Service will be held at St, Stephens Episcopal Church, 2310 N 56th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, Dec. 30, 2021, at 2 p.m.
Additional information and a Tribute Wall can be found by visiting Messinger Mortuary http://www.messingermortuary.com/obituary/James-Stephens.