John Thomas Stephens

John Thomas Stephens better known as Tommy was born on October 13, 1940. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas to John B. and Imogene Stephens and passed from this life on January 26, 2020. The birth and death of this great man, however, is not nearly as relevant as all the days and nights that he lived to the fullest between those two dates.

Tommy grew up in Bellaire, TX and was part of the first graduating class of Bellaire High School; where he formed lifelong friendships that still stand this day. His gang call themselves “The Cutters”. After more than 60 years of friendship they still made time annually to meet up for margaritas and some bird hunting.

After graduation Tommy attended the University of Houston and became a Certified Public Accountant. He eventually went into the lease purchasing and finance industry working for Tri-Con Bell Atlantic for many years. Later becoming self-employed until his retirement in 2007.

In 1989 Tommy married the love of his life Jacque and made their home in Bellaire, TX. They were together for 33 years and married for 30. Between them they had 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Sons, Scott Stephens, and Jason Alston; daughters, Jeannette Vonder Embse and Jeannie Nelson. Grandchildren, Zach Stephens, Ethan and Kyle Vonder Embse, Zane Nelson, and Kalub Alston. Their love story is one for the ages and a story he shared just this last week with the nurses he “flirted” with daily while in the hospital. Their love and devotion for one another never went unnoticed and was admired by many. His love for Jacque was a legacy he left to his children; an example to his daughters of how you should be loved by your husband and an example to his sons on how to love your wife.

Tommy and Jacque retired together to Richards, TX where he loved to mow on the “bad boy” mower, piddle around on the ranger, feed the wild animals left overs, and just sit on the porch in the evening to enjoy a glass of wine and diet coke with his beautiful wife and an occasional neighbor that would stop by to visit. Tommy was so proud of his family and told them often.

Tommy was an avid hunter and fisherman who passed on his love to his son Jason. They spent many hours in duck blinds, tall grass, and big boats just waiting for the perfect shot or that perfect catch. He was known for his big smile, silver hair, quick witted humor, kind heart, generosity, and his ability to never meet a stranger. He loved to make people laugh and did so up until his last breath. He was a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and all-around GREAT guy who could never be replaced and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife Jacque Stephens; children Scott Stephens, Jason Alston, Jeannie Nelson and husband Lee; grandchildren Zach Stephens, Ethan Vonder Embse, Kyle Vonder Embse, Zane Nelson, and Kalub Alston; along with nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Imogene Stephens; brother Mike Stephens; daughter Jeannette Vonder Embse.

A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held in the near future and the family will provide details once the arrangements have been made.