Search by Name

Search by Name

James Stevenson Obituary



STEVENSON
James "Stevie" Phelps, age 82, of Franklin Lakes, died peacefully at home with his wife, daughter and son on Sunday, October 27, 2013. Steve was born in New York City on November 18, 1930. He lived in Radburn and graduated Fair Lawn High School, lettering in baseball, football and basketball. He attended Manumit Free School in Pawling, NY. The Manumit experience profoundly effected his way of life. Steve graduated from Vanderbilt University. He was a prolific writer; plays, speech writer for Governor Wagner, poetry, children's stories, songs, books, as well as a philosophical letter writer. Steve had an extensive Broadway career. He worked with Al Pacino, George C. Scott, Tony Randall, Woody Allen and Carol Burnett. Notable shows include, Zigfield Follies (directed by his father, Jack Kennedy), Don't Drink the Water, Seascape, Waiting For Lefty and Long Days Journey Into Night. He performed at the St. Louis Municipal Opera, the Cherry Lane Playhouse and The Old Globe Theatre. He and his children had great adventures traveling, mountain climbing, cycling, always testing the limits of human potential. He welcomed anyone who cared to join. He was an inspiring soccer coach, educator, and a pied piper to all children. Surviving, is his loving wife of 15 years, Thelma Kennedy Stevenson, of which those years have been a true gift; his devoted children Alicia and Paul and his adoring grandchildren Liam, Emerson, Thomas, Brett, Jack, Laurel, Kailey, Justin and Elaine; his sisters, Joan Sanford and Susan Gomez. We will celebrate Steve's life by inviting family and friends to visit Monday, October 28, 2013, 7 until 9 PM, followed by a service at 9 PM. This will be at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (www.vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. In lieu flowers, memorial contributions in Stevie's name may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202, or his daughter Alicia's non-profit, working with at risk youth and rescued dogs (www.projectunleashed.org).
Published by The Record/Herald News on Oct. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Stevenson

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Patti Dalton

October 28, 2013

The Dalton Gang will be ever grateful for the inspiration provided and the fun, laughter , and love

Jean and Jack Bredin

October 28, 2013

Our love for you will always be in our hearts

October 28, 2013

Our love for you will always be in our hearts dear friend.
Jean and Jack Bredin

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in James Stevenson's name

Memorial Events
for James Stevenson

Funeral services provided by:

Vander Plaat Funeral Home - Wyckoff

257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Stevenson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more