James Stefko

James A Stefko, born June 21st 1934 in Lansing, Ohio to Andy and Julia Stefko. He graduated from Bridgeport High School and then worked at a steel mill for a short time. James served in the Army active duty in 1956 to 1958 and in the Army Reserve until 1962. He had moved to Southern California because he loved the beaches. He met the love of his life, Bonnie Morgan during this time and they married in 1960. They had 3 children Julie, Jimmy and Jeff. He worked at Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. from 1964 until he retired in 1996 (now known as Pacific Bell). He loved to watch all sports but, some of his favorite teams were the Redskins and the L.A. Lakers. His interests were sports, guns, army/old war memorabilia, antiques, cars, fishing, gardening and working in his yard. James was a loving and devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. He most enjoyed time with family during all holidays, special occasions, all his children’s and grandchildren’s school/sport activities and, was always giving and supportive in every way. James passed away peacefully in his home as was his wish. He leaves behind a sister, Dolly a daughter, Julie and her very supportive loving spouse, Steve, two sons James (Jr.) his wife Sabine and Jeff and his very supportive loving spouse, Rhonda. 13 grandchildren, Nicole, Kaitlyn, Tayler, Jimmy, Josh, Andrew, Rebecca, Jacob, Jenifer, Anthony, Blaine, Madison, McKenzie. 7 great grandchildren, Savannah, Sophia, Chloe, Robert, Cali, Angelica, Elias

Special memories from some of his grandchildren:

Nicole - He literally came to every soccer game I played for nearly 15 years. He always accepted me for me. I wasn't the kind of kid who fit into a box, and I'm certainly not that kind of adult. He loved every piece of me. I wouldn't be the strong willed, courageous, foul mouthed woman I am today without his infinite support and encouragement to push the boundaries set before me. My papa greatly influenced each one of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Little pieces of him will live on in each one of us.

Kaitlyn-Tinker toys, blackberries, word searches, thousands of lunch/dinner dates, class field trips, school projects, college graduation, last visit to Oregon with Tay and I, roommates, driving lessons after gymnastic class... Supportive, loving and always there for anyone.

Jenifer-Late nights staying up till 2 or 3 am watching scary movies. Hiking along the river after picking up our favorite candy.

Kenzie-We were at the State Fair and playing a fair game, it looked easy but it wasn’t. I brought $20 and spent it all so, I asked papa for money and he gave me $20 I hear him saying “you’re not going to win” and sure enough, he was right, I didn’t win! Then we were walking away he said I told you, you weren’t going to win while we both are laughing!

Madison-My favorite memory of papa is him coming to all my softball games and practices. Especially when I got a home run! I remember him standing behind home plate with his recorder and his water bag jumping up and down with a huge smile on his face!

Tayler-My fondest memories of papa was him taking me to see the horses and emus down the street whenever I wanted. Calling dad “Clown Face” and going to all my sports I played soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, gymnastics (even though I wasn’t very sporty, lol). Drawing and coloring with me. Always cracking jokes.