James Louis Stephens

James Louis Stephens, age 80, of Havertown, Pennsylvania passed away on February 26th, 2026 from ALS. Born on December 3rd, 1945 in Wellesley, Massachusetts, he was a devoted husband and a loving father.

Jim graduated from Grinnell College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After earning his PhD in Neuroscience from Temple University, he went on to become a physical therapist and certified Feldenkrais practitioner. Throughout his career, he was a beloved clinician, researcher, and professor, respected by his patients, students, and colleagues for not only his astute clinical skills, but for the humor, care, and commitment he brought to all that he did.

In addition to his dedication to his career, he always made time for his family. Jim loved nothing more than family vacations, playing games, watching sports, sharing laughter, adventures, and making memories. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Jim's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. Jim was an avid reader, gardener, and lifelong activist for ecological, environmental, and social justice issues. After retirement, he served as the Chair of the Shade Tree Commission of Haverford Township, with one of his favorite activities being the annual tree giveaway. He was also a member of the Township environmental advisory committee and a volunteer at Solarize Delco. Jim had been a member of the Green Team and other sustainability efforts at Overbrook Presbyterian Church. He developed an interest in bird watching over the past few years. He said if he were to come back in a future life, it would be as a meteorologist or a horticulturist. As an avid gardener, he spent countless hours in his yard making it a beautiful refuge for family, friends, and wildlife.

Jim was diagnosed with ALS in November of 2025. Every day he faced his disease with strength, courage, and patience. He lived with ALS the same way he lived his life - with incredible optimism and dignity. Throughout it all, his sense of humor and love for those around him never wavered. He died surrounded by the hands, hearts, and spirits of those he loved most. In accordance with his wishes, Jim's brain and spinal cord were donated to the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank to aid in ALS research.

Jim is survived by his wife Cindy, children Christine and Shiloh, and sister Louisa, as well as extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

We find comfort in knowing that Jim's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

A memorial service will be held on March 21, 2026, at 11:00 am at Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 6376 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19151. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ALS United Mid-Atlantic.