James Edward Stephens Sr., a resident of Dewar, died Aug. 8, 2020 in Tulsa at the age of 85. He was born April 4, 1935 in Center Point to James Edward Stephens and Mary (Shifford) Stephens.
He served the United States during the Korean War in the Marines. James worked as a machinist for 25 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Stephens, his parents, two sisters, Bernice Cartwright and Geneva Watkins, and by one brother, Don Stephens.
James is survived by his daughter, Mary Durbin and husband John of Dewar; son, James Edward Stephens III and wife Suzie of Dewar; son, Orville Stephens of Okmulgee; daughter, Diana Norman and husband Butch of Tiger Mountain; 12ngrandchildren: Kyla Stephens and husband Eric, Nicholas Stephens, James Stephens IV and wife Mary, Chris Durbin and wife Jennifer, Michael Durbin, Joe Blake and wife Joanie, Valerie Mosco and husband Dustin, Amria Davis and husband Brett, Kara Stephens, Kloe Stephens, Karson Stephens, Kelly Baker, and Mandi Nixon; 27 great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; sister, Norma Jean Blood of Claremore, as well as a host of other relatives and friends including his sweet church pew buddies, Sherry Cantrell, Judy Rawlings, Lorri Henry Hudson and Leatta Horton
Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020 and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Integrity Funeral Service.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020 at 10 a.m. at Dewar First Baptist Church with Rev. Ryan Wells, Rev. Suzie Stephens, and Dr. Audie Swinney, officiating. Interment will follow at New Sonora Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Integrity Funeral