May 2014

James E. Stevens, 82, of Mesa, AZ Passes Away on May 24th -

James E. Stevens, 82, pased away peacefully, at his home in Mesa, AZ on May 24, 2014.

He was born in Walnut, on January 27, 1932 and grew up in Tampico, home of Ronald Reagan.

He accepted Christ at age 12 in the Tampico Baptist Church. During his youth, he held many jobs including  movie projectionist, mowing lawns, farm help, cheese and lawn mower factories. He enjoyed riding his Cushman scooter with friends. At Tampico High, he lettered in football, track and band. He was captain of the football team and president of student council his senior year. Jim attended Western Illinois University 1950-52. He married Shirley Polson on the CBS "Bride and Groom" TV show in New York City. They moved their family to Phoenix in March of 1957, where he worked for Motorola. He contineud his education and graduated with High Distinction from ASU in June, 1965, with a BS in Engineering. The two were divorced in 1967, and Jim later met and married Lunn Daughtery in Honolulu, HI, 1973. They moved to Dobson Ranch, Mesa, in 1974. Jim left Motorola in 1973 and eventually started his own business, Gift Gallery, selling southwest gifts wholesale to retail stores. It was very rewarding for him, and he retired in 1994. He loved traveling, taking cruises, spending time with family, watching Diamondbacks and Suns on TV and playing poker. He was a loving, kind and generous man who will be missed by all who knew him. 

Survived by wife, Lynn; sons, Mrk (Kristi), Craig, Chris and daughter Colleen (Larry); step-children, Greg and Kris Daughtery; grandchildren, Michelle, Jackie and Nathan.

Preceded in death by parents, George and Iona; brother, Lee (Doris), sister, Delores and grandson, Marty.

Services were held Friday, May 30. Visitation was held at 1:30 p.m.; funeral at 2:30 p.m.  at the Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale.

In lieu of floweres, memorials may be made to Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ,  85284 or DRWC, c/o P. Smith, 2457 S. Gaucho Street, Mesa, A 85202.