Mr. James Jim Willard Stephenson

Jim was born on February 13, 1940 at home in Alma, Oklahoma. His parents were O.W. and Minnie Stephenson. Jim was raised in Alma and County Line, Oklahoma. He was raised with three siblings. He had one older brother Bob, a younger sister Pat, and a younger brother Larry.

Early on in his school years, Jim showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subject of auto mechanics. He graduated from Velma-Alma High School in 1958. In high school, Jim was a member of the Hot Rod Club.

Those who didn’t know Jim well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Jim was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Jim’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, his best friend was Bill Osenbeck. Later in life, he became friends with Steve Fields.

On July 29, 1960, Jim exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Sharon Kay Bobbitt at the Wichita County Court House of Wichita Falls, Texas. Jim was blessed with two children, daughters Lana and Sheila. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Andrew, Ellen, Stephen, and Brandon.

His primary occupation was auto mechanic. He was employed for over 50 years in the field. When Jim’s retirement finally arrived in 1990, he was well prepared. Even in retirement, Jim continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.

Due to complications from a childhood illness, Jim needed a double lung transplant. In June of 1993 he was put on a transplant waiting list. On April 7, 1994 he received notification that a possible donor had been located. Shortly after midnight on April 8, 1994, his wife's birthday, the surgery began. Jim went home on May 18, 1994, the first recipient of a double lung transplant in Oklahoma. Without this transplant he would not have known his fourth grandchild and would not have been able to do the many wonderful things that he loved to do.

His favorite pursuits were working on and restoring cars. Jim was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Jim liked auto racing of any kind, but especially NASCAR. Jim enjoyed following his favorite drivers whenever he got the opportunity, but his favorite by far was Dale Earnhardt. Jim's favorite vacations included visiting the NASCAR race tracks.

Jim’s faith was important to him. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for approximately 4 years. Jim was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jim’s favorites was Coda, a Terrier Pekingese mix dog. They were best friends for 6 years.

Jim passed away on May 30, 2010 at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jim died of pneumonia as a result of COPD. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his children Lana and Sheila, and his grandchildren Andrew, Ellen, Stephen, and Brandon. Services were held at Baggerley Funeral Home of Edmond, Oklahoma. Jim was laid to rest in Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Jim was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Jim always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Jim was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Mr. James Willard Stephenson.

Memorial Services for Jim will be held at Baggerley Funeral Home of Edmond OK on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 2:00p.m.