James "Jim" Lloyd Stevens

Jim was born in a log cabin in Kentucky on November 28th, and raised by his granny in Dayton, Ohio. After graduation, he joined the Standard Register Company working as a printer which prepared him to seize the opportunity to set up Graphic Arts programs in Knox County Schools, moving to Tennessee in 1976.

A natural teacher, Jim taught first at Farragut High School and Byington Solway Vocational Technical School. He later moved to Oak Ridge High School teaching Graphic Communications, retiring from Oak Ridge High in 2006. A passionate teacher and lifelong learner himself, he moved with the times and went from teaching printing and photography to designing websites and teaching students to engage with the digital world.

Family was his foundation and joy. He was first married to Joan Henn who he met as a teenager at Church and they married in March, 1962. They quickly had two daughters: LoAnn and Tamara who grew up surrounded by love and support. He was a gentle, guiding hand for his girls, providing calm and stability throughout his life. In 1985, he married Barbara and enjoyed an adventurous and loving 38 years with her. They thoroughly enjoyed their retirements by traveling widely with Elderhostel and as committed Gaither Vocal Band groupies. They created a home that was central to their extended family as a place for celebrations throughout the year.

Jim and Barb opened the White Pine Acres Christmas Tree Farm in Karns 1992. For over 20 years, people from the community made White Pine Acres part of their Christmas tradition by sharing in s’mores round the fire pit and going home with their own tree. Jim and Barbara were proud to be creating traditions and memories for other families.

Although a quiet man, Jim supported his communities through neighborhood groups and a commitment to making his corner of the world better. He and Barbara created a video library of Karns history that is available in the Karns public library.

He cared for Barbara until her death and is survived by his daughter LoAnn (Bill) Price and his granddaughter Kay (Matt) King; his other daughter Tamara Stevens, Stepson Morris (Alicia) Callaway and granddaughter Lauren and Stepdaughter Mary (Mitch) Webster and grandson Bruin. He was preceded in death by his brothers Daniel and Willard and sister Bertha and beloved grandson Mark Callaway.

The family will receive friends at Weaver Funeral Home 5815 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN at 3:00 pm on Saturday the 5th of September. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 pm with the burial to follow at 5:00 pm at Brimer Cemetery on Copper Ridge Rd.